History
For centuries, First Nations have held games all across Turtle Island. These games were of high importance to Indigenous peoples and were meant to teach social and personal values applicable to all generations within a community. In fact, many modern sports today are actually derived from these traditional games!
The very first NAIG took place in 1990, following the twenty-year journey that led to the unveiling of the dream of having one of the largest Indigenous sport and culture events in North America! Over time, they have become the largest gathering dedicated to Indigenous sport and culture in North America.
Since that first year, the NAIG have been held nine times and now welcome over 5,000 Aboriginal youths in 16 traditional and modern sports!
Vision
The vision of the NAIG is to improve quality of life for Indigenous peoples by supporting sports and cultural activities that encourage equal access to participation in the social, cultural and spiritual fabric of their communities and respect Indigenous distinctiveness.
NAIG 2023
In July 2021, the NAIG Council and NAIG Host Society announced that the 10th games are set to take place from July 15 to 23, 2023 in Kjipuktuk (Halifax) and Millbrook First Nation, Nova Scotia.
This event will be the largest multi-sport and cultural event ever to be held in Atlantic Canada. More than 5,000 athletes, coaches and team staff from 756 Indigenous nations will take part in cultural celebrations and compete in 16 sports across 21 venues, with the help of 3,000 volunteers, including more than fifty from team EDN. In addition to consulting team EDN website and Facebook page, go to naig2023.com and follow NAIG Twitter, Facebook and Instagram accounts @naig2023 for updates.
