Victoria, BC (September 18, 2020) – Today, the North American Indigenous Games Council announced that the Halifax 2020 North American Indigenous Games (NAIG) will be further postponed due to the ongoing situation with the global COVID-19 pandemic.

The Halifax 2020 NAIG was set to bring together over 5,000 Indigenous participants from across North America to compete in the multi-sport event and to celebrate cultural heritage in July of 2020.  Due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, it was announced on March 25, 2020, the NAIG would be postponed to 2021. The NAIG Council has determined that for the health and safety of all, delivering the NAIG in the summer of 2021 is no longer feasible.

The official statement from the NAIG Council can be found here:
20200918-2020NAIGCouncilAnnouncementFINAL

During the coming months, NAIG Council and the NAIG 2020 Host Society, together with its funders and partners, will explore new arrangements for the future delivery of the Games. Plans would include addressing the impact of postponement on NAIG Governing Rules, including age eligibility and team selection processes.

The Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity and Recreation Council (I·SPARC), the body that oversees Team BC for the NAIG, supports the decision by the NAIG Council as the health, safety and well-being of our communities and families, along with everyone involved in the Games, is paramount.  However, we recognize this news comes with great disappointment for all the participants involved who have been anticipating and awaiting the opportunity to celebrate and showcase sport excellence among our youth across the province at this international event.

We would like to acknowledge and thank the host communities, volunteers, sport partners, coaches, managers, and the Province of BC, who have supported our Team BC program and selection processes. We especially want to acknowledge and honour the youth athletes and their families who have been anticipating and preparing for the 2020 NAIG.

We will continue to provide information and updates as they develop as well as offer ways to bring our communities together virtually in order to stay connected and to stay active.  Moving forward, we will continue to provide any NAIG updates including plans for Team BC’s participation once new details and timelines are determined.

Sincerely,

Rick Brant                                                                          Lara Mussell Savage
I·SPARC Executive Director                                           Team BC Chef de Mission