North American Indigenous Games now scheduled for 2023
Posted Jul 12, 2021 05:57:00 PM.
The North American Indigenous Games will finally be coming to Halifax in 2023.
The host society announced Monday the 10th Games will take place from July 15 to 23, 2023 in the Halifax area and Millbrook First Nation.
“In light of recent events around the continued history of residential schools, we hope that the announcement of NAIG 2023 and the lead-up to the Games will uplift and inspire youth and families across Turtle Island in a good way, and they can look forward to celebrating their cultures and stories in Kjipuktuk (Halifax)” said Shannon Dunfield, NAIG council president in a news release.
The event was originally scheduled to take place last summer, but it had to be postponed due to COVID-19.
“We are excited to welcome a long-awaited NAIG 2023. I know athletes from across North America will be met by enthusiastic spectators and helpful volunteers who will help make this an event to be remembered,” added Halifax Mayor Mike Savage.
The NAIG is expected to bring together around 5,250 participants from 756 Indigenous nations.
Both the provincial and federal governments have committed new funding for the hosting of the Games, with the Government of Canada providing an additional $4.5 million for incremental costs due to their postponement, in addition to the up to $3.813 million already committed.
The Province of Nova Scotia is kicking in $2.5 million on top of an already committed $3.5 million.
The last NAIG was held in Toronto in 2017.
