The Whitehorse 2007 Canada Winter Games Host Society unleashed its mascots on the public Wednesday, after a performance in the Tourism Visitor Information Centre theatre.

The three furry huskies were adapted to represent each northern territory involved in hosting the Games Nunavut, the N.W.T. and of course, Yukon. The symbol of the husky was chosen because it represents the north.

Wearing traditionally designed parkas from their respective territory, the mascots will be highly visible representatives of the host society and help with the marketing campaign.

The Nunavut parka is a seal skin design, the N.W.T. parka is cut in the traditional style and the Yukon mascot's parka depicts beadwork by a local artist, Karen Bien.

The mascot program is geared primarily toward children and aims to create awareness and excitement about the upcoming sporting events. The three huskies are currently nameless, as the host society prepares to launch a mascot-naming contest, where school children can suggest names for each of them.

'It's exciting to see the three mascots together,' said Piers McDonald, host society president, in a news release.

'They are a wonderful testament to the Pan North approach. Just like the three territories, each mascot brings something unique and together they are truly amazing.'

Pan North Ambassador Jim Antoine believes the huskies will be excellent representatives for both the territories and the 2007 Games.

'A lot of work has gone into planning these mascots and seeing them today, standing together represents much more than just Games mascots,' he said.

'I'm really impressed by our Games mascots,' added Lynn LeBarge, a volunteer. 'They are going to be the first contact that many people have with the Games and I believe they will be really well received. These mascots will bring the Games face to face with people in a way that no other advertising can.'

An audience made up mainly of students from Whitehorse and Selkirk elementary schools listened attentively as first nations storyteller Joe Migwans explained the story behind the mascots.

On the cool crisp evening of January 25, 2005, something different happened: an Elder stood on a frozen lake checking traps. He looked up and saw three stars shining brightly on the horizon.

He was fascinated by the Northern Lights dancing joyfully across a clear blue winter sky. Although always stunning, the lights were mysteriously distinct that night. Three very bright colours lit up the northern sky and a slight noise could be heard in the distance.

'I wonder what that could be?' said the Elder out loud as he searched the snowy surface. As he turned around, he found himself gazing at three tiny whimpering husky puppies. They sat illuminated by the three shining colours of the Northern Lights. The purple, green and blue glittering streams of light had delivered the unique puppies as a gift to the earth.

The Elder took the puppies underneath his parka to keep them warm. He knew that these furry critters were given to us by the Northern Lights and they were too important for him to keep for himself. He sent each puppy to a dear northern friend of his.

He trusted that they would be trained to cherish friendship, sportsmanship and willpower, the three qualities needed for them to fulfill their destiny. One grew up in the Yukon, one in the Northwest Territories and one in Nunavut. Although they were sad to be separated, the puppies took full advantage of their surroundings, knowing that one day they would be together again.

Day after day, they learned about the different cultures of their respective territory. Soon the huskies were the most athletic, friendly and intelligent creatures ever having been sent from the sky. Almost a year after they appeared to the Elder on the frozen lake, they were ready to reunite in order to spread the word about the great events that will soon unravel north of the 60th parallel.

Today, the huskies wear traditionally designed northern parkas and put a face to the three northern Canadian territories hosting the 2007 Whitehorse Canada Winter Games. Promoting courage, strength and kindness, the three Canada Games dogs will begin the journeys they were born to pursue. The Northern Lights will guide them as they use the skills taught to them by the northern people.

Over both tundra and land, climbing mountains and crossing frozen lakes, they will deliver their message in person to communities throughout the North.

With their friendship for each other and for all creations of nature, their sportsmanship and their incredible willpower, they will proudly represent the Whitehorse 2007 Canada Winter Games.

The story of the three 2007 Canada Winter Games mascots is an amalgamation of short stories, composed by very talented local northern school youth.

Wednesday's unveiling was produced by Whitehorse's very own Music Art and Drama (MAD) students from the Wood St. School.

Now that the mascots have officially been launched, Northerners can expect to see them at events from now until the Games, in February 2007.

Volunteers are currently being recruited for the mascot program. Those interested are asked to contact the host society.