The Arctic Winter Games are widely recognized for celebrating athletic excellence and cultural connection across the circumpolar North. Yet beyond the stadium, another team works tirelessly to ensure these moments are seen and remembered. This exhibit, ‘Behind the Broadcast: CBC North at the Arctic Winter Games’, explores the dedication and passion of the staff from the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) North when it comes to sharing the stories of Arctic Winter Games with audiences everywhere.
Technicians, camera operators, and producers capture not only the athletic competition but also the spirit of the North; its cultures, landscapes, and communities. Their work transforms local moments into shared experiences, connecting viewers to stories that might otherwise go unseen. These broadcasts have played an important role in sharing northern voices and celebrating the achievements of athletes and communities across the North.
For myself growing up, my father worked as a cameraman for CBC North, documenting many events including the Arctic Winter Games throughout his life, while my aunt worked as Regional Manager for CBC Yukon. These connections offered me a unique perspective on the effort required behind the scenes, as well as the strong sense of community that developed among the crews who returned to the Games year after year.
Through photographs, broadcast materials, staff pin collections, and Arctic Winter Games memorabilia, this exhibit highlights the everyday items that accompanied the work of broadcast crews. These objects reflect not only the history of the Games but also the friendships, collaboration, and shared experiences of those who helped bring northern stories to a wider audience.
By looking behind the broadcast, we can better understand the teamwork, commitment, and passion of people who continue to ensure those precious moments of the Arctic Winter Games are proudly shared.
Teagyn Aatagwéix’i Vallevand, Kwanlin Dün First Nation, Curator
The Yukon Arts Centre and Teagyn thank CBC North and the RBC Foundation for their support in bringing this exhibition together.
