SIPEKNE'KATIK FIRST NATION, Nova Scotia, Traditional and ancestral Mi'kmaw Territory, June 30, 2023
Sport has the remarkable power to bring people together. It rallies and unites us behind our athletes and teams, fosters greater inclusion, and helps build strong communities. It also teaches our youth skills and habits that will serve them for life. The North American Indigenous Games (NAIG) embodies these benefits for Indigenous youth.
Today, Jaime Battiste, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Member of Parliament (Sydney-Victoria), on behalf of the Honourable Pascale St-Onge, Minister of Sport and Minister responsible for the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, and the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), highlighted Government of Canada funding of more than $9 million to support the 2023 North American Indigenous Games in Kjipuktuk (Halifax).
A total of $8.363 million of the allocated funds come from Canadian Heritage's Sport Canada Hosting Program, while ACOA made a $700,000 non-repayable contribution.
NAIG plays an important role in the development of Indigenous young athletes. The Games provide valuable training, competition, and cultural experiences. For the first time, NAIG will be held in Atlantic Canada. From July 15 to 23, the event will also showcase a dynamic and vibrant cultural program, while bringing together Indigenous youth from 756 nations of Canada and the United States. It will truly be a living showcase of Indigenous unity, heritage, youth, and sport.
The support underlines the Government of Canada's commitment to address the Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, most specifically call 88, which calls on all levels of government to take action to ensure long-term Indigenous athlete development and growth through continued support of the NAIG.
