Let the Games begin! Actually, the 2026 Saskatchewan Winter Games – co-hosted by the City of Meadow Lake and Flying Dust First Nation – are still more than a year away, but that doesn’t mean the wheels are not in motion for what is expected to be an historic event for both communities.
“This is a very exciting day for our communities,” remarked Davin Hildebrand, who serves as board chair for the local Games committee. Hildebrand was addressing the small crowd on hand at Carpenter High School in Meadow Lake Tuesday (Dec. 10) for the official kickoff and signing ceremony for the 2026 extravaganza. “We are excited because the 2026 Saskatchewan Winter Games will bring the whole province together here in our communities of Flying Dust and Meadow Lake,” he added. “There will be about 1,800 athletes, 5,000 guests, and, one of the most exciting things about these particular Games, is it’s the first time ever the event will be co-hosted by a First Nation and a city. That’s something very special.” Events will take place in both communities during the Games, showcasing the strength and resilience of Meadow Lake and Flying Dust’s shared resilience.
“As we prepare to celebrate athletic excellence, sportsmanship and camaraderie, let us also recognize the enduring relationship we have with this land and the legacy we are building together,” Hildebrand continued. Also in attendance for the signing was Flying Dust First Nation chief Tyson Bear. “I look forward to this event showcasing unity, community spirit and the spectacular volunteers,” Bear said. “This will promote hard work, friendship and, best of all, unity. On behalf of the community and chief and council of Flying Dust First Nation, we wish many good blessings for the 2026 Saskatchewan Winter Games… I also look forward to creating many more partnerships with the city that will benefit the youth and develop our community as a whole.”
Speaking on behalf of the City of Meadow Lake was deputy-mayor Marty Bishop. “It is with great pride I have the honour of taking part in today’s signing ceremony for the 2026 Saskatchewan Winter Games in partnership with Flying Dust First Nation,” Bishop said. “This event highlights our commitment to promoting athletic excellence and community spirit. The Saskatchewan Winter Games celebrates the sportsmanship, determination and remarkable talent of athletes throughout the province. As we prepare to host this prestigious event, we are reminded of the immense dedication and hard work that goes into making such an event happen.”
He also spoke about Meadow Lake’s proud history of hosting the Saskatchewan Summer Games in 2012. “We are eager to build on that legacy and to make the 2026 Saskatchewan Winter Games an even more memorable experience at the Co-op Centre, our brand new recreation centre currently under construction,” Bishop said. Hildebrand returned to the podium to speak on behalf of the board. “We have such a talented group of people on our board – representatives from Flying Dust and the city,” he said. “We’re pulling together, but we have a lot of work to do. We are excited, and the signing today brings this to life. This is an opportunity to showcase Flying Dust and Meadow Lake. It’s an opportunity to play host to so many athletes and families from across the province, and this is an opportunity for us to work together for an exciting event for young people.”
Meanwhile, Brittani Dunsing was introduced as the newly hired Games manager, while Nicole Clow of the Saskatchewan Games Council shared a few words. “This will be an historic Games,” Clow echoed. “We’re extremely thrilled to see this come to fruition… We were here in 2012 and we know this community can pull it off.” The final speaker was a potential Games participant, Jaylee Preston of the Meadow Lake Skating Club. “On behalf of Meadow Lake, we are very excited to be hosting the Winter Games,” Preston stated. “As an athlete, I am very excited to have the opportunity to practice and to push myself in order to get to the Winter Games.” The signing ceremony took place following the formal speeches. The Games themselves will take place in February 2026.