October 27, 2026 – Ottawa, Ontario – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces
The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), in collaboration with federal, territorial, municipal and Indigenous partners, conducted Operation NANOOK-TATIGIIT (Op NA-TA) from October 19 to 23, 2026 in Whitehorse, Yukon, to strengthen whole-of-government preparedness and crisis response in support of safety and security in the North.
Op NA-TA 26 brought together Public Safety Canada, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the Canadian Coast Guard, the Canadian Red Cross, Indigenous Services Canada, the Yukon First Nations government and communities, alongside territorial and municipal authorities to exercise decision-making and crisis response in a northern environment. The 2026 scenario simulated a complex emergency threatening critical infrastructure and public safety in northern communities, requiring participants to coordinate response efforts, address emerging challenges, and make timely decisions under demanding conditions. This strengthened coordination, clarified roles and responsibilities, and enhanced preparedness for emergencies in the North.
Operation NANOOK is conducted throughout the year through a series of activities designed to strengthen the CAF’s ability to operate in the Arctic and North alongside Indigenous communities, government partners, allies, and other stakeholders. Working closely with partners, the CAF leverages a whole-of-government approach to strengthen its presence, reach, mobility, and responsiveness in the region, advancing broader Government of Canada priorities and contributing to a secure region.
Quotes
“Operation NANOOK-TATIGIIT strengthens the whole-of-government approach to Arctic defence and security. Through integrated planning and collaboration, we improve coordination, build shared awareness of the operating environment, and reinforce our collective ability to address complex and evolving safety and security challenges across the Arctic and North.’’
Lieutenant-General Steve Boivin, Commander, Canadian Joint Operations Command
“Effective operations in the Arctic and North depend on strong and respectful relationships with those who live and work in the Arctic and North. Operation NANOOK-TATIGIIT brings together federal, territorial and Indigenous partners, northern communities, and the Canadian Armed Forces to combine local knowledge and complementary capabilities before a crisis occurs. By training and planning together, we strengthen our readiness, reinforce community resilience, and improve our collective ability to respond to challenges in the Arctic and North.’’
Colonel Orin Wing, Chief of Staff, Joint Task Force (North)
“Operation NANOOK-TATIGIIT is a great chance to test our skills and reinforce the relationships that are vital for keeping the Arctic secure, protecting our critical infrastructure, and keeping our communities safe. Exercises like this help strengthen our ability to safeguard the essential infrastructure and services that northern communities rely on every day. We appreciate the Canadian Armed Forces organizing this important training exercise. It is critical that northerners are prepared to respond and support any crisis that may arise.”
Cory Bellmore, Minister of Community Services for the Yukon
“Emergency preparedness is critical for the safety and resilience of Whitehorse and communities across the Yukon and the North. By strengthening partnerships and interagency coordination, Operation NANOOK-TATIGIIT bolsters our collective capacity to respond to emergency situations effectively. The City of Whitehorse looks forward to ongoing collaboration with First Nations, territorial and federal partners, including the Canadian Armed Forces, to promote the health, safety and wellbeing of our citizens and our communities.”
Kirk Cameron, Mayor of Whitehorse, Yukon
Quick facts
Each iteration of Op NA-TA is tailored to the training objectives identified by Territorial Emergency Management Organizations and participating partners.
In October 2025, Op NA-TA in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, simulated a large-scale diesel fuel spill while exercising emergency management procedures and business continuity plans to strengthen relationships and coordination among participating organizations.
In October 2024, Op NA-TA in Chesterfield Inlet, Nunavut simulated a power infrastructure failure in extreme cold weather while exercising command and control, emergency resource coordination, Request for Assistance procedures, and interagency cooperation.