A new, Canada-wide bid process is being developed to identify a host community for a 2028 North American Indigenous Games, now scheduled for the summer of 2028.

In its ongoing commitment to Indigenous youth throughout Turtle Island, NAIG Council has also approved adjustments to the athlete age categories to ensure that those eligible to compete in 2027 will remain eligible for the 2028 Games. The NAIG Council will convene its Annual General Meeting and Members Meeting in Ottawa from October 22–23, 2025.

During these meetings, Council will review and ratify a new Bid Procedures Manual with the intent of launching the 2028 Bid Process in November.

Further information on the bid process will be shared in early November.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 10, 2025

The North American Indigenous Games (NAIG) Council has announced that, following the withdrawal of hosting rights previously granted to the Calgary Host Society and efforts to identify a path forward, it will delay the next Games by one year. This decision reflects the Council’s commitment to maintaining the hosting standards and ensuring the continued success and sustainability of the NAIG movement.

A new, Canada-wide bid process is being developed to identify a host community for a 2028 North American Indigenous Games, now scheduled for the summer of 2028.

In its ongoing commitment to Indigenous youth throughout Turtle Island, NAIG Council has also approved adjustments to the athlete age categories to ensure that those eligible to compete in 2027 will remain eligible for the 2028 Games.

The NAIG Council will convene its Annual General Meeting and Members Meeting in Ottawa from October 22–23, 2025. During these meetings, Council will review and ratify a new Bid Procedures Manual with the intent of launching the 2028 Bid Process in November.

Further information on the bid process will be shared in early November.

About the North American Indigenous Games
The North American Indigenous Games is an international multi-sport and cultural event, involving Indigenous youth teams from Provinces, Territories, and States. The NAIG Council is the international governing body for the North American Indigenous Games. It is composed of 26 members representing 13 provincial and territorial regions of Canada and 13 regions of the United States. The most recent NAIG was held July 15-23, 2023, in Kjipuktuk / Halifax, Nova Scotia, bringing together 4715 participants, including athletes, coaches, and team staff from Canada and the United States. The Games featured competition in 16 sports and celebrated Indigenous cultures through performances, ceremonies, and community gatherings that highlighted the unity, pride, and spirit of Indigenous Peoples across Turtle Island.

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Women’s team

Patrice Dominique: Head Coach 

Patrice Dominique, an Innu from the community of Mashteuiatsh, has spent a big part of his life coaching hockey at various levels, including AA and BB. He also coached the EDN track and field team at the 2023 North American Indigenous Games (NAIG). His commitment to athletic development and his community involvement have made him a respected and influential figure in Indigenous sports. 

“For me, it’s a pleasure to be involved in the NAHC again, having already participated in 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2024. It’s the sort of challenge that every coach dreams of.” 

Michelle Guay: Assistant Coach 

Michelle Guay, from Akwesasne, has always had a deep passion for hockey. She has competed at the highest levels, representing numerous teams throughout her career. With over a decade of coaching experience, she has always been committed to developing young athletes. She has worked with girls’ competitive teams and spring league programs, helping them grow both on and off the ice.

“I’m proud to coach Eastern Door and the North, a team I once had the honour of playing for. Coaching isn’t just what I do; it’s who I am. I’m dedicated to helping youth develop, grow, and reach their full potential both on and off the ice.” – Michelle Guay

Kwaronienhawi Jacobs: Assistant Coach 
Kwaronienhawi Jacobs, who hails from Kahnawake, is in her third year with the Team EDN coaching staff. After serving as manager in 2024, she has taken on the role of assistant coach this year. She was a goalie for Team EDN at the NAHC from 2003 to 2008, winning one gold and four silver medals. Determined to create more development, training and access opportunities for Kahnawake youth, she is General Manager of sports and recreation and is training as a firefighter and paramedic. Sports have always been a big part of who she is, shaping her professional and family life and guiding her volunteer work.  

Focused on helping athletes reach their full potential, Kwaronienhawi emphasizes the importance of seizing opportunities, in the spirit of the famous quote by Wayne Gretzky, “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.”

Kateri Oesterreich: First Aid Attendant 

Kateri Oesterreich, who hails from Kahnawake, works full time as a paramedic for the Kahnawake Fire Brigade and the Kahnawake ambulance service. This will be her fourth time at the NAHC as first aid attendant for the EDN women’s hockey team. She is very proud and honoured to be part of a team that represents First Nations athletes in Quebec. Kateri wishes all the athletes an incredible time in British Columbia and hopes they will create lasting memories.  

Men’s team

Steeve Gros-Louis: Head Coach 

Steeve Gros-Louis, head coach of the EDN men’s hockey team, is from Wendake. He has more than 30 years of experience coaching hockey. For 20 years or so, he was involved with Hockey Québec Centre, coaching teams from the MAHG level to the junior level. He has been involved with Team EDN for almost a decade and feels privileged to have served as head coach of the men’s team for the last few years. His sustained commitment reflects how much he cares about hockey and player development. 

Adam Jourdain: Assistant Coach 

Adam Jourdain is an Innu from Uashat mak Mani-Utenam. He is returning to a coaching role for the third. A former player in the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League, he knows first-hand the demands and challenges of the sport. His background as a coach and player gives him a unique perspective, enabling him to share useful advice and technical expertise with the players. 

Mike Stacey: Assistant Coach 

Mike Stacey, a Kanien’kehá:ka (Mohawk) from Kahnawake, is joining the coaching staff for the men’s team this year. He began his hockey journey playing double-letter hockey before advancing to Junior AAA and the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League. He then pursued a career in minor pro hockey in the United States and competed in Quebec’s semi-pro leagues. Passionate about giving back to his community, Mike has been coaching youth hockey on and off since he was 19, sharing his experience and love for the game with the next generation.

Alain Madore: Manager 

Alain Madore has been a hockey coach and manager for some 40 years. His extensive experience includes four years working as a manager for Team EDN at the NAHC, where he demonstrated his ability to successfully manage and guide the team. Alain also proved himself as a baseball coach at the last NAIG, highlighting his versatility and ability to excel. His enduring commitment and his dedication to player development are a big part of why he has such a stellar reputation in the sports world. 

Dwaine White: First Aid Attendant 

Dwaine White plays many roles in his community of Kahnawake. He is the General Manager at the Office of the Council of Chiefs and a volunteer firefighter and paramedic with the Kahnawake Fire Brigade. Father of two boys and grandfather of what will soon be five grandchildren, Dwaine is deeply commitment to his family and community. He has dedicated much of his time to volunteering with various sports teams, including local- and national-level lacrosse and hockey teams. With his involvement with Team EDN, he is carrying on his custom of giving back to the community. 

Dwaine wants to make sure that the players proudly represent their community and nation as well as Team EDN. He believes that through teamwork and camaraderie, they will create lasting friendships along with fond memories of their adventure together. He hopes the athletes will have an enriching experience while promoting the benefits of teamwork, healthy living and sports and embracing the languages and cultures of Indigenous communities across Turtle Island. 

L’article Coaches’ profiles – 2025 NAHC est apparu en premier sur PEN-EDN.

Women’s team

Patrice Dominique: Head Coach 

Patrice Dominique, an Innu from the community of Mashteuiatsh, has spent a big part of his life coaching hockey at various levels, including AA and BB. He also coached the EDN track and field team at the 2023 North American Indigenous Games (NAIG). His commitment to athletic development and his community involvement have made him a respected and influential figure in Indigenous sports. 

“For me, it’s a pleasure to be involved in the NAHC again, having already participated in 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015. It’s the sort of challenge that every coach dreams of.” 

Ross Leclaire: Assistant Coach 

Ross Leclaire, who hails from Kahnawake, is in his second year as assistant coach of the EDN women’s hockey team. His dozen years of coaching experience speak to his dedication to the development of young athletes, particularly hockey players. For the past eight years, he has been the head coach of Kahnawake’s women’s hockey team. Beyond hockey, his involvement in baseball and golf reflects his versatility and commitment to promoting athletic excellence across different sports. He was also the golf head coach at the 2023 NAIG.  

Konwatharani Jacobs: Assistant Coach 

Konwatharani Jacobs, mother to a seven-year-old girl, is passionate about sports. A proud member of the Kahnawake Fire Brigade, she is a firefighter and a student paramedic. She has been a member of the EDN women’s hockey team since 2002, winning one gold and four silver medals as an athlete. Her journey as a Team EDN coach began in 2015, and she served as assistant and head coach in 2016, 2017 and 2022. She participated in the NAIG twice, competing in softball in Denver and basketball in Winnipeg, enriching experiences that allowed her to form deep connections on both the athletic and cultural fronts.   

Her involvement in hockey encouraged her to pursue higher education. Her athletic prowess in hockey, softball and basketball made her realize that she could succeed in her studies, just as she had with sports. With her personal and athletic background, she aspires to bridge gaps and create opportunities for young people, especially female athletes. In doing so, she is mirroring the journey of role models such as Brooke Stacey, a former member of Team EDN who embodies perseverance and determination, both as an athlete and a mother. 

Kwaronienhawi Jacobs: Manager 
Kwaronienhawi Jacobs, who hails from Kahnawake, is in her second year with the Team EDN coaching staff. After serving as assistant coach in 2023, she has taken on the role of manager this year. She was a goalie for Team EDN at the NAHC from 2003 to 2008, winning one gold and four silver medals. Determined to create more development, training and access opportunities for Kahnawake youth, she is General Manager of sports and recreation and is training as a firefighter and paramedic. Sports have always been a big part of who she is, shaping her professional and family life and guiding her volunteer work.  

Focused on helping athletes reach their full potential, Kwaronienhawi emphasizes the importance of seizing opportunities, in the spirit of the famous quote by Wayne Gretzky, “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.”

Kateri Oesterreich: First Aid Attendant 

Kateri Oesterreich, who hails from Kahnawake, works full time as a paramedic for the Kahnawake Fire Brigade and the Kahnawake ambulance service. This will be her third time at the NAHC as first aid attendant for the EDN women’s hockey team. She is very proud and honoured to be part of a team that represents First Nations athletes in Quebec. Kateri wishes all the athletes an incredible time in Alberta and hopes they will create lasting memories.  

Men’s team

Steeve Gros-Louis: Head Coach 

Steeve Gros-Louis, head coach of the EDN men’s hockey team, is from Wendake. He has more than 30 years of experience coaching hockey. For 20 years or so, he was involved with Hockey Québec Centre, coaching teams from the MAHG level to the junior level. He has been involved with Team EDN for almost a decade and feels privileged to have served as head coach of the men’s team for the last few years. His sustained commitment reflects how much he cares about hockey and player development. 

Adam Jourdain: Assistant Coach 

Adam Jourdain is an Innu from Uashat mak Mani-Utenam. He is returning to a coaching role for the second consecutive year, but this time with the men’s team. A former player in the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League, he knows first-hand the demands and challenges of the sport. His background as a coach and player gives him a unique perspective, enabling him to share useful advice and technical expertise with the players. 

Ronnie Stacey: Assistant Coach 

Ronnie Stacey, who hails from Kahnawake, is assistant coach of the men’s team. He has more than 30 years of coaching experience at all levels of hockey, lacrosse and baseball. The core principle of his coaching philosophy is player and team development. He strives to foster collective and individual growth among the athletes, focusing on continuous improvement and long-term success. 

Alain Madore: Manager 

Alain Madore has been a hockey coach and manager for some 40 years. His extensive experience includes four years working as a manager for Team EDN at the NAHC, where he demonstrated his ability to successfully manage and guide the team. Alain also proved himself as a baseball coach at the last NAIG, highlighting his versatility and ability to excel. His enduring commitment and his dedication to player development are a big part of why he has such a stellar reputation in the sports world. 

Dwaine White: First Aid Attendant 

Dwaine White plays many roles in his community of Kahnawake. He is the General Manager at the Office of the Council of Chiefs and a volunteer firefighter and paramedic with the Kahnawake Fire Brigade. Father of two boys and grandfather of what will soon be five grandchildren, Dwaine is deeply commitment to his family and community. He has dedicated much of his time to volunteering with various sports teams, including local- and national-level lacrosse and hockey teams. With his involvement with Team EDN, he is carrying on his custom of giving back to the community. 

Dwaine wants to make sure that the players proudly represent their community and nation as well as Team EDN. He believes that through teamwork and camaraderie, they will create lasting friendships along with fond memories of their adventure together. He hopes the athletes will have an enriching experience while promoting the benefits of teamwork, healthy living and sports and embracing the languages and cultures of Indigenous communities across Turtle Island. 

L’article Coaches’ profiles – 2024 NAHC est apparu en premier sur PEN-EDN.

Here are the items included in the backpacks:
– Team EDN Cap
– T-shirt
– Raincoat
– Sport pants
– Pins
– Stickers
– Bookmark from the Quebec First Nations and Inuit Faculties of Medecine Program (QFNIFMP)
– Gender diversity fact sheet (sexual health toolkit)
– Concussion fact sheet (health toolkit)
– My canoe, my balance (mental health toolkit)
– My entourage, my balance (mental health toolkit)
– The boys, the girls (sexual health toolkit)
– 5 things you can do to be a model of respect on social networks
– Condom pouch (sexual health toolkit)
– Condoms
– Participant’s handbook

Find out more about our tools
Discover the participant’s handbook

L’article NAIG 2023 : Athlete’s backpack est apparu en premier sur PEN-EDN.

Connie Ittukallak
Connie is a very dynamic young Inuk who is having her first experiences as a circus artist. She is a great role model for her community. She performed at the Arctic Winter Games 2023, while representing the Nunavik region. Soon, she will also be performing at the Puvirnituq Snow Festival. Connie has several feathers in her cap, including aerial silk, throat singing (katajjaq), stilts and more. We are proud to have Connie with us and we welcome her to the team!

Jacqueline Tulugak
Jacqueline is a talented young Inuk who represented Nunavik at the Arctic Winter Games 2023 as a member of the cultural delegation. She will also be offering a circus performance at the Puvirnituq Snow Festival. Jacqueline excels in several areas, including juggling, hula-hoop, dance and acrobatics. We are happy to welcome Jacqueline to our big and beautiful Team EDN family!

L’article Local artists at the NAIG! est apparu en premier sur PEN-EDN.

2017 Team EDN medal count:
– Gold (22)
– Silver (36)
– Bronze (19)

L’article Revisiting the NAIG 2017 est apparu en premier sur PEN-EDN.

Village
The athletes’ village will be transformed into a cultural village! Many artisans, merchants, artists and musicians will be on hand to demonstrate their arts and knowledge.

Education

Documents, lexicons, and dictionaries focused on the Mi’kmaq language have been posted online (some are only in English). To access them, click here.

L’article This summer, let’s celebrate Mi’kmaq culture est apparu en premier sur PEN-EDN.

Sports and competition venues

Competitions will be held at over 21 venues in the Halifax, Dartmouth, and Millbrook First Nation areas. Athletes will have the opportunity to demonstrate their talents and passion for sport by participating in one of the following 16 sports, 3 of which are traditional Indigenous sports (Canoeing, Box Lacrosse, and 3D Archery):

• Athletics
• Badminton
• Baseball
• Basketball
• Canoe/Kayak
• Golf
• Cross Country
• Box Lacrosse
• Wrestling
• Swimming
• Soccer
• Softball
• 3D Archery
• Rifle Shooting
• Volleyball
• Beach Volleyball

Mission staff meeting

From May 14 to the 18, some members of the Team EDN delegation traveled to Halifax to attend the mission staff meeting (M4). The various delegations were able to recharge their batteries and receive relevant information.

Preparatory meeting

A preparatory meeting of Team EDN mission staff and coaching staff was held on June 3 and 4, 2023.

Get involved!

The organizing committee is recruiting volunteers. The participation of more than 3,000 volunteers is needed. There is still time to register to help give young athletes an opportunity to enjoy a memorable experience. To register or learn more about the role of a volunteer, click here.

L’article The NAIG are just around the corner! est apparu en premier sur PEN-EDN.

From May 7 to the 13, our athletes had the opportunity to participate in the NAHC in Winnipeg. The competition was fierce. Several talented teams showed up and put on quite a show. Both our male and female teams gave strong performances, despite failing to make the final round. Both on the ice and off the ice, we are proud of the attitude and energy that our athletes had. We hope they will keep fond memories of their experience with them. We will be returning to the NAHC next year in Grande Prairie, Alberta.

Achievements

Team EDN nevertheless distinguished itself by receiving several awards. Team spirit is essential to the proper functioning of a team, and we were able to witness solidarity between our athletes throughout the NAHC. Congratulations to all our athletes!

Team with the best sportsmanship of the tournament: EDN female team

Male athlete with the best team spirit of the tournament: Michael Dominique-Robertson

Female athlete with the best team spirit of the tournament: Léôna Fréchette-Tuniq

Male athlete with the best team spirit (coaches’ choice): Aiden Aqpik-Savard

Female athlete with the best team spirit (coaches’ choice): Tiakohawihtha Montour

Coaching staff

On behalf of the FNQLHSSC, we would like to thank the coaching staff for their dedication to our young athletes. Thank you for contributing to the development of young athletes in our communities. Team EDN could not exist without you, its volunteers. Thank you to everyone who dedicated their time and shared their passion for sport.

L’article Team EDN’s return from the NAHC est apparu en premier sur PEN-EDN.