For some, the Arctic Winter Games is a matter of family pride
CBC
Krista Kitekudlak, who's competing in Arctic Sports at the Arctic Winter Games, said she's already achieved her objective.
"Being here is my goal, making my family proud," said the 15-year-old from Ulukhaktok, N.W.T.
Her family includes her mom, aunty, grandma and grandpa and everyone back in Ulukhaktok, who organized fundraisers so she could attend.
Kitekudlak said she was speaking with CBC News on Monday "so my family would see me and how I am. I'm really happy that I made it."
She's one of hundreds of athletes who descended on Wood Buffalo, Alta., this weekend to take part in the weeklong event for the first time in five years.
Chase Nogasak, 16, of Tuktoyaktuk, N.W.T., travelled to the Arctic Winter Games to volunteer.
This allowed him to achieve his main objective: cheering on his two sisters, Bailey Nogasak and Kaydra Nogasak, who are also competing in the Arctic Games.
"Proud of them," is how he feels. "I want them to do great."
Chase is the only family member who could make it in person. The rest will be following Bailey and Kaydra's performance's from Tuktoyaktuk.
He said the travel was long and included some noisy infants on the plane ride from the Beaufort Delta to Yellowknife, but overall he's happy to watch the pair compete.
Rex Willie, a three-time competitor in the Arctic Winter Games from Arctic Bay, Nunavut, isn't competing this year
"I'm here to watch my kids compete in Dene games," he said.
"I'm proud of them."
Willie said his children are big fans of hand games and stick pull.