The Yukon sent three young artists to the National Artist Program of the 2011 Canada Winter Games in Halifax, N.S., from Feb. 11-27.

Team Yukon artists Clancy McInnis (music), Jada Powell (dance) and Valerie Herdes (dance) traveled with Yukon National Artist Program manager Andrea Simpson-Fowler and mission staff for culture Tracey Bilsky.

"The Canada Winter Games provide the opportunity for artists as well as athletes to showcase their talents at the national level,” Bilsky said.

"Whether competing in sport or collaborating in art, these games allow Yukon young people to shine on the national stage. In my role as Team Yukon's mission staff for culture, I am delighted with the creativity and energy of our culture team and look forward to supporting their work at the games.”

The National Artist Program is the cultural component of the Canada Games. The program bridges the pursuit of excellence between the sport and cultural worlds. Youth from across Canada present their work in performing and visual arts through a series of workshops, lessons and collaborative exercises under the guidance of mentors and guest artists, all experts in their chosen fields.