The North American Indigenous Games

North American Indigenous Games Types of Aboriginal Dances Bush Life

In 1975, a meeting of the National Indian Athletic Association was held in Reno, Nevada, where it was decided to organize Games for Indigenous peoples. John Fletcher, a Peigan from Edmonton, Alberta, and Willie Littlechild, a Cree of the Ermineskin Tribe at Hobbema, Alberta, attended; John Fletcher is credited for his support in the decision to have the Games, as presented by Mr. Littlechild, based on the above success.

In 1977, the dream to host large scale Indigenous Games took another step forward in Sweden at the Annual Assembly of the World Council of Indigenous peoples. "Willie Littlechild presented the motion to host International Indigenous Games. It was unanimously passed. A Brazilian elder was so moved; he presented Willie Littlechild with a war arrow representing peace in his tribe. Advising it be pointed to the ground, this arrow would direct anything evil toward the underground. It is now part of the sacred ceremonial run." From http://www.museevirtuel.ca/Exhibitions/
Traditions/English/history_games_02.html

Few Indigenous peoples compete in mainstream sport, especially youth.

"The North American Indigenous Games (NAIG) is an opportunity for Indigenous youth across North America to:

• compete in 15 sports: archery, basketball, boxing, canoeing, golf, box lacrosse, marathon, rifle shooting, rodeo, soccer, softball, swimming, track and field, volleyball, and wrestling;
• prepare for sporting events such as Provincial and Canada Games;
• and celebrate their heritage."

From http://www.museevirtuel.ca/Exhibitions/Traditions/English/
history_games_02.html

The first North American Indigenous Games (NAIG) was held in Edmonton, Alberta in 1990.

The above information on NAIG from: http://www.museevirtuel.ca/Exhibitions/Traditions/English/
history_games_02.html