2028 North American Indigenous Games Awarded to Norway House Cree Nation and Southern Chiefs’ Organization
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 8, 2026
WINNIPEG, MANITOBA –The North American Indigenous Games (NAIG) Council is pleased to announce the conditional award of the 2028 North American Indigenous Games to Norway House Cree Nation (NHCN) and the Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO), with events to be hosted in Winnipeg and Manitoba.
This award marks a significant step toward bringing one of North America’s largest Indigenous multi-sport and cultural gatherings to Manitoba from July 9-23, 2028.
The 2028 NAIG are expected to bring upwards of 5,250 Indigenous athletes, coaches and team officials from across Turtle Island (Canada and the United States of America) together through sport, culture, community and celebration. The Games will feature traditional and contemporary sports, complemented by a major cultural program celebrating the diversity, strength and traditions of Indigenous nations in Manitoba and across North America.
The award follows a national bid process led by the NAIG Council and depends on completing several key milestones before a formal Host Agreement is signed. The NAIG Council, Norway House Cree Nation, Southern Chiefs’ Organization, and government and community partners will work together to meet these requirements and establish the Host Society responsible for planning and delivering the 2028 Games.
Following the conditional award, NAIG Council, Norway House Cree Nation and Southern Chiefs’ Organization will continue working with the Government of Canada, Government of Manitoba, City of Winnipeg, Winnipeg Economic Development & Tourism and other partners to finalize the requirements necessary to confirm the Games and establish the 2028 NAIG Host Society.
Additional information regarding Games dates, venues, governance, programming, volunteer opportunities and other planning milestones will be announced as preparations advance.
QUOTES
Rick Brant, President, North American Indigenous Games Council
“On behalf of the North American Indigenous Games Council, we are proud to conditionally award the 2028 North American Indigenous Games to Winnipeg. Through the leadership and vision of Norway House Cree Nation and the Southern Chiefs’ Organization, we are excited to work alongside Indigenous leadership, the federal and provincial governments, the City of Winnipeg and community partners with a shared purpose of delivering an exceptional Games experience. In 2028, Indigenous athletes from across Turtle Island will gather in Winnipeg, where they will experience the power of sport, celebrate culture and build lifelong connections. Together, we will create a lasting legacy that inspires Indigenous youth to pursue their dreams, strengthens communities and carries the spirit of the Games forward for generations to come.”
Chief Season Roulette, Norway House Cree Nation
“Norway House Cree Nation is proud to co-host the 2028 North American Indigenous Games alongside the Southern Chiefs’ Organization. Our communities are home to incredibly gifted athletes, and these Games give them a world-class stage to showcase their talent, skill, and determination.
Northern communities like ours have always produced remarkable athletes whose strength, skill, and resilience deserve to be seen on the biggest stage. These Games will inspire our youth to dream big, work hard, and believe that their goals are within reach. We look forward to welcoming Nations from across Turtle Island as relatives and creating memories that will last for generations to come.”
Grand Chief Jerry Daniels, Southern Chiefs’ Organization
“Movement is medicine, and the North American Indigenous Games give our young people an opportunity to build confidence, strengthen friendships, and take pride in who they are. For SCO’s member Nations, these Games are an opportunity to celebrate First Nations excellence and inspire the next generation, on and off the field. We are proud to work alongside Norway House Cree Nation to welcome athletes from across Turtle Island and show how sport and culture can bring people together, strengthen our Nations, and advance reconciliation.”
Rob Newman, President, Aboriginal Sport Circle
“The Aboriginal Sport Circle congratulates Norway House Cree Nation and the Southern Chiefs’ Organization on the conditional award of the 2028 North American Indigenous Games. Rooted in Indigenous leadership, these Games give young people opportunities to excel in sport, celebrate their cultures and represent their communities with pride. As the franchise holder for NAIG in Canada, ASC looks forward to working with the hosts and partners to bring athletes together in Manitoba for an experience that reflects the strength and diversity of Indigenous Peoples. Together, we can build a lasting legacy that strengthens Indigenous sport and expands opportunities for the next generation.”
The Honourable Adam van Koeverden, Secretary of State (Sport), Government of Canada
“Building Canada Strong through sport means ensuring every young person has a path from the playground to the podium, because talent is everywhere in this country and opportunity should be too.
When we invest in Indigenous sport, we are investing in the health, pride, and future of communities. The Government of Canada is proud to support opportunities that celebrate identity, community, and tradition through athletic excellence and participation.
Bringing the 2028 North American Indigenous Games to Manitoba, anchored by the Norway House Cree Nation and the Southern Chiefs’ Organization is a vital milestone, creating a powerful space for roughly 5,000 youth, coaches, and team officials to share their heritage, showcase their talents, and connect with their communities.”
The Honourable Nellie Kennedy, Minister of Sport, Culture, Heritage and Tourism, Government of Manitoba
“Manitoba knows how to make the world feel welcome. Indigenous Manitobans are leading the way, and the benefits will reach communities across our province through jobs, packed hotels and busy restaurants. Congratulations to Norway House Cree Nation and the Southern Chiefs’ Organization for making this possible. I’m so proud of our Indigenous athletes. They’re working hard, making their communities proud, and showing us what’s possible. In 2028, we’ll be there cheering them on, together as One Manitoba.”
Mayor Scott Gillingham, City of Winnipeg
“Winnipeg is excited to host in 2028 and welcome thousands of athletes, families and visitors. From the Grey Cup last year to the JUNO Awards next year, Winnipeg has a proud history of hosting major events. We look forward to working with Norway House Cree Nation, the Southern Chiefs’ Organization and our partners to deliver an unforgettable celebration of sport and culture.”
Chuck Davidson, President & CEO, Winnipeg Economic Development & Tourism
“Winnipeg is incredibly proud to host the 2028 North American Indigenous Games and welcome athletes, along with their families and supporters, from across Turtle Island to our city. With the largest urban Indigenous population in Canada and a strong track record of hosting major sporting events and Indigenous gatherings, Winnipeg is well positioned to deliver an exceptional Games experience. The Games are expected to create a significant economic impact while showcasing Winnipeg’s warm hospitality, vibrant Indigenous cultures and communities, and everything our city has to offer.”
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ABOUT THE NORTH AMERICAN INDIGENOUS GAMES
The North American Indigenous Games are an international multi-sport and cultural celebration bringing together Indigenous youth from across Turtle Island. The Games provide young athletes with an opportunity to compete at a high level while celebrating Indigenous cultures, traditions and community.
The 2028 Games are expected to feature traditional and contemporary sport competitions together with cultural programming involving Indigenous performers, artists, Elders, Knowledge Keepers and communities.
ABOUT SOUTHERN CHIEFS’ ORGANIZATION
The Southern Chiefs’ Organization represents 33 Anishinaabe and Dakota Nations and more than 92,000 citizens in southern Manitoba. SCO works to protect, preserve, promote, and enhance the inherent rights, languages, customs, and traditions of its member Nations. Through advocacy, partnerships, and the delivery of culturally grounded programs and services, SCO advances the priorities of southern First Nations and supports the health, well-being, and prosperity of their citizens.
ABOUT NORWAY HOUSE CREE NATION
Norway House Cree Nation (Kinosao Sipi) is one of Manitoba’s largest First Nations, with 9,369 registered members, 6,883 living on reserve in Treaty 5 territory. NHCN is committed to protecting the inherent rights, language, culture, and traditions of its people while building a strong and self-determined future for generations to come. As a gateway to Northern Manitoba and the Island Lake region, NHCN strives to be a place to live, work, and play, where recreation, culture, and community programs bring people together and help families and neighbouring communities flourish.
MEDIA CONTACT
media@2028naig.com
