The $150,000 Ediwa Weyallon Handgames Tournament is coming to Behchokǫ̀, Northwest Territories, from February 27 to March 1, 2026, but new rules for food sales are changing how local groups raise money. The Tłı̨chǫ Government is now requiring every person selling food at the event to have a valid business licence and a food safety certificate.
According to the Government of the Northwest Territories Department of Health and Social Services, most food vendors must have an official permit and be trained as a food handler. This rule is part of territory-wide health regulations designed to make sure the food served at large public events is safe to eat.
These requirements may make it harder for small groups like youth sports teams or church groups to hold bake sales or sell homemade meals. Because health officials usually need 10 to 14 days to process food permits, it may be too late for some groups to get permission to sell hot items like caribou stew or chili during the tournament.
People who want to sell food can get the necessary training through online programs like ADVANCE.food or SafeCheck. These courses usually take between six and eight hours to complete and are accepted by health officials across the Northwest Territories.
To keep the community safe during the three-day event, a Temporary Prohibition Order is also in effect in Behchokǫ̀ until March 2, 2026. This order bans alcohol in the community for the duration of the handgames to ensure a sober environment for all attendees.
