The Games were originally scheduled to take place in March 2022, but was rescheduled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Games is an international biennial celebration of circumpolar sports and culture held for a week, each time with a different nation or region as the host.

The Games contributes to creating an awareness on cultural diversity, and develops athletes to participate in the competitions with the focus on fair play.

[2] The 2023 Games took place in Wood Buffalo in Northern Alberta, Canada.

Team sports that were held were basketball, futsal, ice hockey, volleyball and curling.

Each participating contingent contributes with performances in dance, song, music, plays or art.

[8] At each Arctic Winter Games, the AWG International Committee presents the Hodgson Trophy to the contingent whose athletes best exemplify the ideals of fair play and team spirit.