‘This is a resurrection’: Kivalliq Summer Games returns after 12-year hiatus

This story was updated on Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2026, at 12:37 p.m. ET.

The first Kivalliq Summer Games to be held in 12 years is expected to draw more than two dozen athletes from the region to Chesterfield Inlet this week.

“This is a resurrection of the Games,” said hamlet recreation co-ordinator Russell Mullins, who is organizing the event.

From Thursday to Sunday, 26 athletes from Arviat, Baker Lake, Rankin Inlet and Chesterfield Inlet are set to compete in Arctic sports ranging from the four-man carry to the knuckle hop.

Athletes are categorized as under-18 juniors or over-18 seniors. There are 17 males and nine females taking part, ranging from age 12 to 34. Six of the 10 Chesterfield Inlet athletes are competing for the first time.

The idea to bring the Games back stemmed from a conversation between Mullins and Nunavut Sport Federation operations manager Scott Schultz during the Arctic Winter Games in Whitehorse in March.

“We just realized that we are severely outgunned by all the other territories, Nunavik, and Alaska,” he said, referring to Nunavut’s performance in the Arctic games.

Other regions, such as the Northwest Territories and Greenland, hold their own competitions.

“Why not Nunavut?” Mullins said.

Many people in the community are doing a little something to help out, including residents Glen Brocklebank and Ana Leishman, who are among those volunteering.

Their 17-year-old daughter Ivalu Leishman-Brocklebank is competing in all the events.

“It’s been a long time,” said Brocklebank, in an interview on Tuesday. “The Games are fun and exciting to watch. I’m pretty pumped.”

All the events will take place in the Victor Sammurtok School gym, except the walrus pull, which will be held outdoors.

The walrus pull involves an athlete resisting competitors who try to pull the athlete upright.

This and other strength competitions, such as the arm pull and the head pull, are judged best out of three rounds.

In the kicking events, including the two-foot and one-foot high kicks, as well as the Alaskan high kick, the target will be raised approximately 7.5 centimetres each round until the top three athletes are determined.

Judging the competition are Larry Tautu, Mark Amarok and Gloria Thompson from Chesterfield Inlet and Mary Anne Hananak from Whale Cove.

The Kivalliq Inuit Association is a sponsor.

“KIA is pleased to support opportunities that bring our communities together through sport,” said KIA president Kono Tattuinee in an email.

Tattuinee said he looks forward to seeing “the talent, dedication, and teamwork on display throughout the Games.”

Nunavut Sport Federation is also providing funding. Its operations manager, Scott Schultz, took care of the logistics and travel arrangements.

The Northern store is providing discounted food for the event, which parents and other volunteers will help to prepare and serve in the school kitchen.

Most athletes will stay with relatives in the community. Cots will be set up in a classroom in the school for any athletes who need accommodations.

“We’re pretty much ready for the athletes to start coming,” Mullins said.

The opening ceremonies are scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday. Closing ceremonies follow the junior boys’ and senior men’s knuckle hop competition at 9 p.m. on Sunday.

Correction: This story has been updated to correct Larry Tautu’s name.