North American Indigenous Games officially open in Halifax – CBC

Jul 17, 2023

Games will mix Indigenous culture with sporting events

The North American Indigenous Games officially kicked off Sunday evening, as thousands of Indigenous athletes from across the continent filled the main hockey arena in Halifax.

Norman Sylliboy, Grand Chief of the Mik’maq Grand Council, gave an opening address to the gathered athletes, officially opening the games.

“As Indigenous people of Canada, our way of life has been constantly attacked and impacted since the arrival of settlers over 500 years ago, and eventually was replaced by foreign powers,” Sylliboy said.

“It was the vision to have Mi’kmaq united again, to see all Indigenous brothers and sisters here today working together…. I believe we have the path of healing and hope all Indigenous communities are one day restored.”

The 2023 games will mix Indigenous culture with sporting events, which bring together about 5,000 athletes, coaches and mission staff from 750 First Nations across the continent.