Launch of the 16th edition of the FNEC Inter-school Games

Press Release

May 23, 2024, Quebec City – The First Nations Education Council (FNEC) is proud to officially launch the 16th edition of its Inter-school Games, which will take place from May 23 to May 26, 2024, at Université Laval’s sports and physical education pavilion (PEPS).

Since its inception in 2008, this friendly event gone has continued to grow in popularity. During the first edition, the Inter-school Games welcomed 140 young athletes and their chaperones. Fast forward to 2024, and the Games will welcome 1250 participants, including athletes, coaches, and chaperones, representing 34 delegations from Quebec’s First Nations, who will gather on the Laval University campus for four days of sports competitions.

The main objective of the Inter-school Games is to promote physical activity and its positive impact on students’ health, well-being, and academic progress. Schools use the event not only to motivate students, but to reward their efforts and attendance. Beyond the competitive aspect, the Inter-school Games are an opportunity for young people to meet representatives from other nations, while getting a taste of university campus life.

In addition to the athletic competitions and ceremonies, several new features are planned for this year, including:

• First Peoples’ Village: A place to relax with friends, where a giant Shaputuan and tents have been set up, surrounded by nature and far from the sports activities;
• Fitspirit corner: A space reserved for girls;
• Nations Banquet: A special occasion dedicated to participants in their last year at the Inter-school Games, where we reward young sports leaders, the coaches and mentors of tomorrow.

Building on the success of the last edition, the FNEC is proud to announce the return of:

• the New Pathways CHILL ZONE – an exclusive space for young athletes that will include many kiosks showcasing young athletes’ cultural pride and identity, where they can have rest, have fun, and recharge their batteries;
• the trail run – a race held in Lac-Beauport;
• the Ancestors Challenge, as an official competitive event;
• the food court, where four food trucks, open daily from 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, will offer a variety of food options sure to please the young athletes;
• evening entertainment of the young participants’ choice;
• dance party with a DJ.

Organizing an event of this magnitude requires considerable financial resources. This is why the FNEC is pleased to count on the generous contribution of its main partners and sponsors, including: Université Laval , New Pathways Foundation, First Nations of Quebec and Labrador Health and Social Services Commission, Indigenous Services Canada and Quebec’s Ministry of

Health and Social Services.

For more information and to consult the FNEC Inter-school Games program, please see

Interschool Games.

About the FNEC

The FNEC is an association of 22 First Nations of Quebec that has been working for more than 38 years to realize the right of First Nations to exercise their full jurisdiction in education through by establishing a comprehensive and adequately resourced education system designed and managed according to their values and culture. For more information, visit www.cepn-fnec.com.

Sources and information:

Florence Demers
Communications Advisor
First Nations Education Advisor
418-842-7672
fdemers@cepn-fnec.com

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David Gill

Coordinator for the Ancestors’ Challenge and the FNEC Inter-school Games
418-842-7672
dgill@cepn-fnec.com

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