September 18, 2020 – The North American Indigenous Games (NAIG) Council met via teleconference on Wednesday, September 16, 2020 to discuss the ongoing uncertainties with the COVID-19 pandemic. In consultation with its members and stakeholders, the NAIG Council determined that for the health and safety of all, delivering the NAIG in the summer of 2021 is not feasible.
“This is such an unprecedented time that we all have been navigating these last six months! There are no more disappointed individuals than those that I have the pleasure of calling good colleagues at the NAIG Council. This wonderful group of committed and dedicated individuals – from coast-to-coast-to-coast have wrestled with this decision, but the safety for all our athletes, participants, volunteers and their families and communities will always be at the forefront of our mind,” says Dale Plett, President of the North American Indigenous Games Council.
The NAIG Council will continue to work with the Host Society (Halifax), stakeholders and partners to determine the most appropriate date for delivering the NAIG and address the impact of the continued postponement on the NAIG Governing Rules, including age eligibility criteria, team selection processes, and future hosting rotation.
“We are truly excited to ALL come together on beautiful Mi’kmaq lands and shores to experience the hospitality the East Coast has to offer, but deeply desire to do so with the whole family at the table. We want to thank everyone for their continued patience and support as we navigate these challenging waters, especially during this time where we have more questions than answers,” says Christine Abrams, Vice President of the North American Indigenous Games Council.
About Halifax North American Indigenous Games 2020: The event is the largest multi-sport and cultural event ever to be held in Atlantic Canada. More than 5,000 athletes, coaches and team staff from 756 Indigenous nations will take part in cultural celebrations, and compete in 16 sports across 21 venues, with the help of 3,000 volunteers. NAIG 2020 was due to take place from July 12 to 18 in Kjipuktuk (Halifax), and Millbrook First Nation, Nova Scotia, but is postponed to a later date due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
About North American Indigenous Games (NAIG) Council: The NAIG Council is the International Governing Body for NAIG and helps actualize the collective potential of the bodies, minds, and spirit of our people and their hopes and dreams. The Council oversees all matters pertaining to the Games, including the inclusion of purposes and philosophies during the event that are consistent with the cultural, spiritual and traditional values of the peoples represented in the games. In all activities, the Council ensures the promotion and encouragement of holistic, individual development that assures mental, physical, emotional and spiritual growth.
Media contact:
Lynn Anne Hogan, NAIG Council Secretary
902.786.4348
lahogan@mcpei.ca