Toronto 2017 North American Indigenous Games Announces Major Partnership in Creation of Western Hub with McMaster University and the City of Hamilton

2017 North American Indigenous Games – September 15, 2016 – The Toronto 2017 North American Indigenous Games (2017 NAIG) Host Society is proud to announce a major partnership with McMaster University and the City of Hamilton, in the creation of a western hub during the eight-day international sport and cultural event scheduled to take place between July 16-23, 2017.

Five of the 14 sport competitions will be held in the Greater Hamilton Area including:

In addition to the sport venues, McMaster University will also house more than 1,800 participants on campus with the creation of an Athletes Village.
 

The 2017 NAIG represents the first time in its 25-year history that the Games will be hosted in the eastern region of North America, and the first time the Games will be held east of the Prairies within Canada. The 2017 Games will provide Indigenous youth the opportunity to showcase their athletic achievements and cultural heritage, in Canada’s largest city and surrounding regions, under a significant international spotlight.
 

The City of Hamilton and McMaster University have a tradition of excellence hosting major sporting events. Both entities were significant players in staging soccer during the 2015 Toronto Pan Am and Parapan Am Games.
 

Quotes
 

“The creation of a western hub for the Toronto 2017 North American Indigenous Games offers an exciting opportunity for celebration, collaboration and strength in unity across communities, which is the essence of the North American Indigenous Games. We look forward to working together with McMaster University, the City of Hamilton, Tourism Hamilton, and Indigenous communities to provide a high-calibre sporting and cultural experience. Additionally, we commend the City of Toronto for their outstanding leadership as the official 2017 NAIG host city. Together, we will produce a best in-class Games experience to ensure an enduring legacy for Indigenous people and the North American Indigenous Games movement.”
 

-Marcia Trudeau, CEO, Toronto 2017 NAIG Host Society
 

“Teams will come together next summer at the Toronto 2017 North American Indigenous Games, including in the new western hub, and build bridges between communities through their mutual love for sport. Our country’s up-and-coming Indigenous high-performance athletes will be the face of the Games and are sure to give sports fans in the Greater Golden Horseshoe a good reason to cheer loudly. Our government acknowledges the Call to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, which highlights the Toronto 2017 NAIG as a key way to promote sport development and recreation among Indigenous Canadians. We know that this event will have a significant and long-lasting impact on Canada’s Indigenous athletes, coaches, officials and sport leaders.”
 

-The Honourable Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities
 

“Ontario is proud to support the 2017 North American Indigenous Games. The City of Hamilton and its partners have developed a strong reputation for sport hosting that includes their key role in the 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games. The western hub is an exciting collaboration that will further strengthen a sport system that allows athletes to pursue and achieve excellence.”
 

-Eleanor McMahon, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport, Government of Ontario
 

“Ontario is excited to support young Indigenous athletes at the 2017 North American Indigenous Games. We commend the work of the NAIG Host Society in helping to bring this historic event to our province. The western hub will take advantage of the City of Hamilton’s hosting expertise and highlight the accomplishments and contributions that Indigenous communities and individuals continue to make to our shared history.”
 

-David Zimmer, Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, Government of Ontario
 

“We are thrilled to welcome all Indigenous athletes and their families to the 2017 North American Indigenous Games for the first time,” says City of Hamilton Mayor, Fred Eisenberger. “Hamilton has hosted many high profile sporting events, and this opportunity is especially fitting, being home to a strong aboriginal community with a proud cultural heritage.”
 

-Fred Eisenberger, Mayor of the City of Hamilton
 

“The Toronto 2017 North American Indigenous Games present an important opportunity for Southern Ontario to play host to high performing Indigenous athletes and to highlight their rich culture. McMaster University looks forward to welcoming both athletes and guests for this significant competition.”
 

-Patrick Deane, President & Vice-Chancellor, McMaster University
 

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Contact Information:

Abidah Shirazi

Manager, Communications, Toronto 2017 NAIG Host Society

abidah.shirazi@naig2017.to

416-825-3348
 

From July 16-23, 2017, the North American Indigenous Games (2017 NAIG) will welcome more than 5,000 participants, 2,000 volunteers and a number of spectators and dignitaries from across North America. Sport and cultural venues include Humber College, McMaster University, York University, University of Toronto Scarborough, City of Toronto facilities, City of Hamilton venues, and venues within Six Nations of the Grand River Territory. A total of 14 sports will be offered for competition during the event and a week-long cultural village will be housed at York University featuring nightly programming including traditional teachings, Indigenous artists and other cultural performers. For more information, visit www.naig2017.to.