Congratulations to the youth and young adult athletes competing in the 10th North American Indigenous Games (NAIG) and to Games organizers for coordinating a gathering of great cultural and sporting significance.
The North American Indigenous Games are being hosted by Sipekne’katik, also known as Millbrook First Nation and in venues across Kjipuktuk (Halifax) and Dartmouth, Nova Scotia from July 15-23, 2023. The Games consist of competitions in 16 sports, including three traditional Indigenous sports (box lacrosse, 3D archery and canoe/kayaking).
The Games bring together approximately 5,000 athletes, coaches and team staff from 756+ Indigenous Nations to connect and share through sport and culture. Athletes are Indigenous youth aged 13-19 from across North America.
The Presbyterian Church in Canada offers sincere congratulations and good wishes to the athletes who have worked so hard and accomplished so much to participate in the Games, and to their coaches, trainers, families and communities who have supported them through this immense work. We hope that the Games are a stepping stone for these amazing young athletes to realize hopes and dreams. We celebrate the success and friendly competition and the great exposure of cultural traditions and teachings.
We congratulate the organizers for the forethought for the Games to be a unique opportunity to bring together, share and celebrate the diverse cultural expressions of Indigenous nations and peoples through performance, vendors, cultural demonstrations and other educational resources. We are grateful for the leadership of the Games and the many talented performers and volunteers who make these public venues possible.
Tune in! Watch live coverage of the North American Indigenous Games online at naig2023.com/watch.
Learn More about:
- Indigenous Ministries of the church
- The church, colonization and healing and reconciliation
- The Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action pertaining to Sport and Reconciliation No. 87-91