February 9, 2018

Pieces of traditional NWT art will be travelling over 8,000 km to PyeongChang, South Korea to help NWT-born Olympic athletes represent their northern Indigenous roots to the world.

Three Northwest Territories-born athletes are competing in the 2018 Winter Olympics: Brendan Green, Kevin Koe and Jesse Cockney. 

Each will be receiving an article of hand crafted traditional clothing by a local artisan registered with NWTArts, a GNWT-funded program that supports and promotes NWT artists and their art.

“On behalf of the Government of the Northwest Territories, we are proud to recognize your roots in the Northwest Territories as you compete on this prestigious world stage.  Your hard work, dedication and commitment make you a strong role model for youth in our territory,” the Premier said in a letter to each of the athletes.

Curler Kevin Koe will be receiving a pair of gloves crafted by Ms. Helen Menacho in Délįne.  Skiers Green and Cockney will be sporting moccasins made by Ms. Camilla Chocolate in Gamèti, and Ms. Emily Squirrel in Fort Providence. 

Minister Cochrane issued a statement congratulating the three Olympians. Click here to read the full statement.