Calgary has been selected as the host city for the 2027 North American Indigenous Games, attracting over 5,000 elite youth athletes representing 756 First Nations. This decision was made in favor of Kamloops, B.C., the other competing finalist. The announcement was initially planned to coincide with the closing ceremonies of NAIG in Halifax, but it was altered due to rain. Mayor Jyoti Gondek expressed her hope that the Indigenous elders and leaders, who emphasized the importance of sport in Indigenous culture, would be pleased with this decision.
The significance of hosting the games in Calgary was highlighted by Gondek, stating, “This is incredibly important in terms of the work we all must do around truth and reconciliation. The fact that these games were started in 1990 to address the high rate of suicide among Indigenous youth throughout North America makes it even more meaningful.”
Tourism Calgary collaborated with the Tsuut’ina Nation to prepare the local bid for hosting the games. Tsuut’ina Nation Chief Roy Whitney expressed excitement about the partnership and stated, “We look forward to hosting Indigenous athletes and families on our beautiful lands at the foothills of the Rockies. We are confident that visitors will have an unforgettable experience, with elite competition and cultural activities throughout the games.”
Calgary and the Treaty 7 nations received support from the chiefs of Tsuut’ina Nation and other nations for this idea. Chiefs from various nations within Treaty 7 endorsed the notion of hosting the games in Calgary and its surrounding region.
The games will encompass 16 different sporting events, with athletes participating in the U19, U16, or U14 age groups. The economic impact of the Calgary NAIG is estimated to be around $40 million, with preliminary cost estimates ranging between $15 million and $20 million. All three levels of government have committed funding for the games.
Cindy Ady, CEO of Tourism Calgary, expressed her honor in hosting the games and stated, “The games will inspire thousands of Indigenous youth through sport and will be a tremendous opportunity to celebrate and strengthen our understanding of Indigenous culture and heritage. All while bringing significant economic activity to our area.”
In partnership with local post-secondary institutions, dormitories will be utilized to accommodate the participants, and the institutions will observe the Indigenous athletes for potential recruitment. Approximately 3,000 volunteers will be required to ensure the smooth running of the games.
The first NAIG took place in Edmonton in 1990. Specific details regarding the dates and venues for the 2027 Calgary games have yet to be released.
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