Canada, meet Wowkwis (Whoa-quis)! Named after the Mi’kmaq First Nations peoples’ word for “red fox,” Wowkwis celebrates the rich history of our province.
A local, who hails from world-famous North Rustico, Wowkwis’ favourite colour is turquoise because it resembles the water in the bay, and her favourite sport is ringette. Wowkwis will play a vital role in welcoming the rest of Canada to PEI and showcasing the spirit, heart and spark of the 2023 Canada Winter Games.
The mascot name and design was inspired by 9-year-old Myla Doucette from Gulf Shore Consolidated School in North Rustico. Myla was the winner of a provincewide design competition that took place last spring. The competition tasked children aged five to 12 with creating a mascot that reflects PEI’s creativity, culture and passion for sport. Myla and her classmates were the first to meet the official mascot in a surprise school visit.
Myla’s winning design was selected from over 1,200 entries from 45 schools across the Island. Her design showcases the local art and culture of the Abegweit Mi’kmaq First Nations peoples by uniquely integrating quillwork that Wowkwis will wear, crafted by local Island artist Noella Moore.
Over the next 16 months, Wowkwis will help share the magic of the 2023 Canada Winter Games with adults and youth through her enthusiasm, encouragement and kindness.
The unveiling of Wowkwis is an important milestone as preparations continue for the largest multi-sport and cultural event for youth in the nation. Beginning in November, community groups from across the Island will have the opportunity to book a mascot appearance for their local events through the 2023 Games website.
The unveiling of Wowkwis is an important milestone as preparations continue for the largest multi-sport and cultural event for youth in the nation. Beginning in November, community groups from across the Island will have the opportunity to book a mascot appearance for their local events through the 2023 Games website.
QUOTES
“On behalf of the 2023 Canada Games, I would like to congratulate Myla and thank all Island students who participated in our mascot design contest. Myla’s design celebrates the positive impact that sport and the Canada Games has on youth, while also capturing the identity, culture and heritage of Prince Edward Island. We are very proud of our Island students and excited to see Wowkwis come to life to welcome the rest of the nation to our beautiful and hospitable Island.”
– Karolyn Godfrey, Volunteer VP, Vision, People & Experiential Learning, 2023 Canada Games
“It is amazing to see the level of participation from our next generation of Islanders as we prepare to welcome athletes from across our great nation to our shores. The 2023 Winter Games will be an exciting time for our province and our country and this contest provided an opportunity to see the vision for these games through the creativity and inspiration of our future leaders in Prince Edward Island. I am so excited to help make that vision a reality as we count down the days until the opening ceremonies in 2023.”
– Natalie Jameson, Minister of Education & Lifelong Learning, Province of PEI
“As someone who was a volunteer at the 2009 Canada Games in Prince Edward Island, I know the magnitude of work that goes into planning and hosting the Games. I am honoured as an Indigenous Artist to have my artwork displayed on the official mascot for the 2023 Canada Games. I have the opportunity to display my work in many places but I am truly grateful to help bring Myla’s creation to life. Thank you so much for including me.”
– Noella Moore, Mi’kmaq Quill Artist
“We’re looking forward to the Canada Games coming back to Prince Edward Island. They’re a wonderful opportunity for Island youth to be a part of a huge national event. The Public Schools Branch would like to congratulate Myla for her creative contribution to the Games. We’re excited to see Wowkwis represent PEI on the national stage.”
