For Immediate Release (Issued by NAIG Council)
Thursday, May 3, 2018 – The North American Indigenous Games Council gathered in Montreal, Quebec on May 3rd to hear the final bid presentations from the three communities vying to host the 2020 North American Indigenous Games (NAIG). Representatives from Ottawa, Ontario, Lekwungen/Victoria, British Columbia, and Halifax, Nova Scotia were in Montreal to promote their bid to host the next NAIG.
Over the past two months, the NAIG Council’s 2020 Bid Committee conducted a comprehensive review of the three bid packages and visited each community to witness firsthand their tremendous energy and enthusiasm to host the NAIG. Following each community’s final bid presentation, the winning bid was determined through a vote of the NAIG Council’s Board of Directors.
“Congratulations to the Mi’kmaw Sport Council of Nova Scotia and the City of Halifax on their selection to host the 2020 NAIG,” said NAIG Council President Rick Brant. “We are excited about the opportunity for Indigenous Nations from across Canada and the United States to gather in the summer of 2020 in the traditional territories of the Mi’Kmaw people. We know that Halifax will deliver an extraordinary celebration of athletic excellence and cultural unity.”
The selection of Halifax represents a milestone in the NAIG movement, as it will be the first time in its thirty year history that the NAIG will be held in Atlantic Canada.
“On behalf of the Mi’kmaq of Nova Scotia we are extremely honoured for the opportunity to host the 2020 NAIG in Mikmaki,” said Tex Marshall, Co-Chair Mi’kmaw Sport Council of Nova Scotia. “We are very excited at the prospect of welcoming Indigenous Nations from all over Turtle Island and delivering the best ever NAIG in Kjipuktuk (Halifax). We are focused on providing the ultimate experience in Halifax, which centres on the comfort, care, and healthy experience for all participants.”
The North American Indigenous Games (NAIG) is an international multi-sport, multi-disciplinary event involving Indigenous youth from Canada and the USA. The Games offer 14 sport competitions with up to three age categories in each sport for both male and female participants. The NAIG includes a vibrant cultural program showcasing local and North American Indigenous cultural groups and entertainers.
The North American Indigenous Games Council
NAIG Council is the International Governing Body for the NAIG exercising exclusive jurisdiction, either directly or through its affiliate members, over all matters pertaining to the Games. It ensures the purposes and philosophies are reflected in all aspects of the NAIG.
For more information email with general questions to Rick Brant, NAIG Council President at rbrant@isparc.ca.
