2026 Saskatchewan Winter Games opening ceremony. (Image Credit: Saskatchewan Games Council)

By Alyssa Rudolph

CULTURAL EVENTS

Historic partnership highlights culture at 2026 Saskatchewan Winter Games

Feb 17, 2026 | 2:53 PM

Sport and culture are coming together in Saskatchewan as the 2026 Winter Games showcase not only athletic excellence, but the traditions of their host communities.  

Throughout the week, cultural events are taking place in Meadow Lake and Flying Dust First Nation. Some include dog sledding, storytelling from Elders, button-making, and cultural art teachings.  

The vice president of ceremonies and culture said she encourages all visitors to participate in the events. 

“It is the heart of who we are as communities of Meadow Lake and Flying Dust, working together, showing reconciliation in action and how we can partner and be proud of who we are,” said Danene Kopperud.  

This year’s Games mark a historic milestone, as they are being co-hosted through a city–First Nation partnership. 

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“It really highlights the significance of relationships,” Kopperud added. “I think we’re just doing our best as a community to come together because we are still quite small, and everyone is pitching in to make these games a success.” 

When planning specific events, coordinators focused on pillars in the community that help build culture, including the Friendship Center, the local library and Métis Nation.  

“They just took it on in their hands and said, ‘we will do this’. So just having them be involved is very important and significant,” she said. 

Kopperud hopes the events will build excitement around local culture while visitors are in the community for the Games. She highlighted the important role of Elders and land-based experiences, in helping guests feel connected to Indigenous identity and traditions. 

All upcoming events are expected to proceed as planned with current weather conditions. No cancellations are reported at this time.  

For a full list of the Saskatchewan Winter Games cultural events, click here.  

Winter Game updates 

Day two of the Saskatchewan Winter Games is underway. Today’s main events include table tennis, bowling, speed skating, and curling. For a full list of scheduled events, click here.  

Saskatoon district is currently in the lead with 15 total medals; those include four gold, five silver, and six bronze. Prairie Central district has three total medals; including two gold and one silver. To follow, Regina district has one gold, South West district has one silver, and South East district has one bronze.

To watch the live stream of each event, click here. 

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Alyssa.rudolph@pattisonmedia.com