April 24, 2024
April 24, 2024
2027 North American Indigenous Games Announce New President
February 29th, 2024, the North American Indigenous Games (NAIG) Council held a special meeting (via video conference) to conduct an election for the position of President. During the meeting, members elected Rick Brant (Region One, British Columbia, Canada) as their new President. Rick is the CEO of the Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity and Recreation Council (I•SPARC). A Mohawk, a member of the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte, Rick, and his family live in Victoria, BC, in the ancestral and unceded territories of the lək̓ʷəŋən speaking peoples (the Songhees and Esquimalt). He has been involved with the NAIG movement since the first games in 1990. Rick was part of the group that founded the NAIG Council in the early 1990's and has been responsible for overseeing three separate games inclusive of Prince Albert 1993, Victoria 1997, and Cowichan 2008. This is Rick's second appointment as President of the NAIG Council, originally serving from 2015 to 2018.
"I am extremely honoured to serve as the President of the NAIG Council. It's a privilege to be working alongside such an extraordinary group of skilled and passionate leaders from across Turtle Island," said Rick Brant. "Each of us have been profoundly impacted by the NAIG movement. We are driven by the transformative power of the games and the shared commitment to the health and wellbeing of Indigenous youth and our communities. I look forward to working with our NAIG family, governments, corporate sponsors, and community partners as we prepare for a milestone event in 2027."
The NAIG Council would like to extend our thanks to outgoing President Mark Laliberte (Region Five, Ontario, Canada) for his dedicated service as a longstanding member of the NAIG Council and his leadership during his tenure as President. We look forward to working with newly elected President, Rick Brant, as we continue to prepare for the 2027 NAIG in Calgary, Alberta. Rick's experience and guidance will help the NAIG Council build upon the legacy of the games and help ensure a successful 2027 games and beyond.
Media Inquiries can be directed to NAIG Council President, Rick Brant, at rbrant@isparc.ca.