The official mascot of the Whitehorse 2020 Arctic Winter Games (AWG) stepped off the plane Wednesday and right into his role as an ambassador of the Games. On Thursday, the mascot was introduced to the AWG Host Society and Yukon dignitaries.

The mascot’s name, Däch’äw, is the Southern Tutchone word for porcupine. After a Yukon-wide contest, Däch’äw was chosen as the AWG 2020 mascot from nearly 40 entries depicting suggested mascots for the Games.

Däch’äw was illustrated by 12-year-old Owen McDonald. In the submission of his illustration, McDonald described why he was inspired to draw a porcupine. The porcupine is “formidable on one side, like Yukon athletes, and warm and cuddly on the other, like Yukon hosts.”

McDonald was on hand to see the unveiling of his mascot, a moment he said he was excited for (along with missing math class). The pair shared high-fives and struck a variety of poses together. After all, it’s not every day you see your drawing come to life.

“I think it’s awesome,” said McDonald. “I’ve never seen one of my drawings come to life before so that’s pretty new.”

McDonald was pleased with some of the extras that were added to the mascot.

“(There are) a lot of extras I think would have been cool if I added to the drawing,” said McDonald. “Like the green, pink and blue spikes, I think those are pretty awesome.”

When Däch’äw was revealed, McDonald said he believed the AWG stayed true to his original drawing.

“They nailed it,” he said.

The 2020 Arctic Winter Games will be held March 15 to 21. McDonald is excited to see Däch’äw at the different venues around the city.

“I think it is going to be pretty awesome seeing my drawing walking around,” said McDonald.

The Games will have 2,000 athletes competing in 21 sports. There will also be 3,000 visitors coming to the territory and an estimated 10,000 spectators. Contingents will be coming from Alaska, Nunavut, Nunavik, N.W.T., Russia, Greenland, Finland, Norway, Northern Alberta and of course the Yukon.

McDonald said he thinks Däch’äw will get a good reaction from the crowds.

“I think they will be like ‘woah, that’s pretty awesome,’” said McDonald.

Not old enough to play hockey yet, McDonald will be representing the Yukon in the biathlon event.

President of the 2020 AWG Host Society, George Arcand, welcomed Däch’äw back to Whitehorse and thanked AWG legacy partner Northwestel for making the porcupine’s journey possible.

“As we celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Arctic Winter Games, it’s fitting that Northwestel is recognized today for their commitment to the Games and to the community,” said Arcand. “They have been a partner in the Arctic Winter Games for more than 30 years, and their generous contributions go a long way toward ensuring the spirit of the Games continues.”

Tammy April, Northwestel VP of consumer markets also welcomed Däch’äw and announced the company’s sponsorship.

“Today, I’m happy to announce that Northwestel is helping youth in our northern community to grow by committing $257,000 in support of the 2020 Arctic Winter Games,” said April. “… We are proud to help bring together young athletes and communities from across the North in the spirit of competition and goodwill.”

In true mascot fashion, when asked if they were excited to be in Whitehorse and getting amped for the Games, Däch’äw had no words, although they did give a big thumbs-up and a jig.