Signing At The Archives

On Friday March 8th, the Yukon Archives welcomed John Rodda of the Arctic Winter Games International Committee, in a ceremonial signing that re-confirms that all Arctic Winter Games memorabilia will be properly preserved at the Yukon Archives. Opened in 1972, the Archives hold most of the territory’s history, which now proudly includes the AWG.

Before the signing took place, opening remarks were made by Kaitlin Normandin, the Yukon Territorial Archivist, followed by remarks from Deputy Minister Sierra van der Meer. John Rodda then added final remarks, ending the ceremony by signing the declaration.

Afterwards, John Rodda shared some of his thoughts on the significance of the signing, his disposition showcasing an excitement over the whole prospect of the perpetual safe-keeping of AWG history.

”The declaration is a very important legacy item, not just for Whitehorse because of hosting the games, but for the Yukon in general.” He says.

When asked about how the partnership happened, Rodda references a quote that hangs on the wall of the Archives, paraphrasing about how all these northern communities are neighbours yet never share a cup of sugar with each other, and that the AWG is that cup of sugar that brings us together in partnership.

He also thanked the Government for providing the resources required for the Yukon Archives to add the AWG into their collection.

Faced with 50 years of AWG history and memorabilia, Rodda talks about how seeing photos from years ago makes him reminisce on connections made throughout the span of the AWG “It’s like this big family you know, it’s generational.”

His hope for the future is that preservation of AWG history continues to grow and aid in various forms of documentation of the games in the Yukon’s perspective plus the other jurisdictions, adding that the Yukon Archives AWG Collection “is going to be an amazing wealth of knowledge.” He also hopes that it opens the door for more collaboration between communities if there is a place where all their items can go.

The items being stored at the Archives regarding the Arctic Winter Games include Ulu News clippings, photos and programs dating back to the first games. Rodda says that he hopes that this collection inspires others to look back at their own AWG memorabilia and history, and instead of getting rid of it, consider adding it to the Archives in order to fill in gaps in the games’ history. “Bring it here” he encourages, “here they can take care of it.”

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