Toronto 2017 NAIG Host Society – Humber College Sport Management Students and Faculty Pledge to Join the Movement and Support More than 5,000 Indigenous Athletes by Building Awareness about
the Games  

Toronto, Ontario – November 16, 2016 – Toronto 2017 North American Indigenous Games (NAIG) Host Society joined more than 200 Humber College students in celebrating Indigenous sport, heritage and youth during a NAIG Day event at Humber’s North Campus. Toronto 2017 NAIG also kicked off its official volunteer campaign at the event, asking for potential volunteers to Join the Movement and support the eight-day international sporting and cultural event, and life-changing opportunities the Games provide to young Indigenous athletes and their communities.  

In partnership with the Toronto 2017 North American Indigenous Games, Humber Sport Management students hosted the event as part of its weeklong initiative to engage students in a showcase of major sporting events, including the Invictus Games and the Grey Cup. The event featured sport demonstrations, traditional Indigenous food samples, and speakers such as Marcia Trudeau, CEO of the Toronto 2017 NAIG Host Society, and Jason Hunter, Humber VP, Student and Community Engagement. All proceeds raised during NAIG Day will go towards the Right to Play Aboriginal Program, which promotes life-skill development and sport participation among Indigenous children and youth.  

Humber is an official venue partner of the Toronto 2017 North American Indigenous Games, hosting two of the 14 sport competitions (basketball and volleyball). The Toronto 2017 North American Indigenous Games will be held within the City of Toronto from July 16-23, 2017. Humber is also home to one of four Athlete Villages that will, all together, house the more than 5,000 Indigenous athletes from across North America.  

Toronto 2017 NAIG will be promoting its volunteer campaign throughout the month of November with promotional events and contests. Members of the public that are interested in volunteering with the 2017 Games can Join the Movement by registering at www.naig2017.to/en/getinvolved.  

Toronto 2017 NAIG Quick Facts

• Approximately 2,000 volunteers are required to help host the Toronto 2017 NAIG.
• The Games provide Indigenous youth, aged 13-19, an opportunity to showcase their athletic abilities through 14 sports and celebrate their heritage through numerous cultural events.
• Participating teams represent all 13 provinces and territories of Canada, as well as up to 13 regions from the United States.
• During the 2017 NAIG, week-long cultural festivals will feature a variety of Indigenous artists, cultural performances and nightly entertainment.
• Funding from all levels of government towards the 2017 NAIG addresses key elements of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action and recognizes the NAIG as an important agent in promoting Indigenous sport development and recreation in Canada.

Quotes

“The 2017 Games are focused on engaging youth and bringing communities together through sport, while celebrating the distinct and rich cultural heritage of Indigenous communities across Turtle Island. The enthusiasm and support demonstrated by participants, community leaders, stakeholders and partners, in supporting these Games, has been tremendous. Volunteers will play a critical role in ensuring that the Games are the very best they can be, and will contribute to a legacy of sustainable sport opportunity for Indigenous youth and their communities.”  

– Marcia Trudeau, CEO Toronto 2017 North American Indigenous Games  

“I encourage the people of Canada, especially our energetic youth, to Join the Movement by volunteering at the Toronto 2017 North American Indigenous Games. The Games will bring together athletes, coaches and officials in a wonderful celebration of sport and Indigenous culture during the year-long celebration of the 150th anniversary of Confederation. The experience will leave volunteers with a strong sense of accomplishment and a deep understanding of the power of sport in promoting physical activity and recreation among all Canadians, especially Indigenous Canadians.”  

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

“The North American Indigenous Games promise to be one of the most exciting sporting events in Canada next year. This is a great opportunity for volunteers to experience the excitement of the Games, share their enthusiasm and learn new skills. Volunteers allow organizers to dream big and are vital to the spectator experience. This is an opportunity to have an impact, support Indigenous athletes and celebrate their rich culture.”  

– Eleanor McMahon, Ontario Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport  

“Humber is proud to be a partner of the Toronto 2017 North American Indigenous Games, both as an Athletes Village host and as a sporting venue. We are also grateful to be able to give our students in the Sport Management program the opportunity to gain practical, hands-on experience by helping to promote the Games and their significance to Indigenous communities. We wish all the athletes, organizers and volunteers well as they prepare for the event.”  

– Susan Somerville, Dean, Humber College, School of Hospitality, Recreation & Tourism  

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Contact Information:

Abidah Shirazi (Manager, Communications)

Toronto 2017 NAIG Host Society

abidah.shirazi@naig2017.to

416-825-3348  

About the Toronto 2017 North American Indigenous Games

 

From July 16-23, 2017, the North American Indigenous Games (NAIG) will welcome more than 5,000 participants, 2,000 volunteers and countless spectators 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, in addition to week-long cultural festivals, featuring programming such as traditional teachings, Indigenous artists, vendors and cultural performers. For more information, visit www.naig2017.to