NAIG Council Awards the 2017 NAIG
June 26, 2015
The North American Indigenous Games Council (NAIG Council) today awarded the 2017 NAIG to Toronto, Ontario, Canada in a vote that took place during the NAIG Council’s Board of Directors meeting in Richmond, British Columbia.
The bid to host the Games in Toronto, led by the Aboriginal Sport & Wellness Council of Ontario and the Mississaugas of New Credit First Nation, received unanimous support from the NAIG’s International Governing Body. Toronto’s selection will mark the first time in the Games twenty-five year history that the event will be held in a community outside of Western Canada. The awarding of the 2017 NAIG follows a comprehensive bid process involving the preparation and submission of a bid book, a site evaluation, and the Bid Committee’s final bid presentation in Richmond.
“Congratulations to the Aboriginal Sport & Wellness Council of Ontario (ASWCO) and Mississaugas of New Credit First Nation on the selection to host the 2017 NAIG in the city of Toronto,” said NAIG Council President Rick Brant. “The Council was extremely impressed by the level of detail presented by the Bid Committee and their high degree of professionalism. We are excited about the opportunity to gather our Indigenous Nations in Toronto in the summer of 2017. It will be an extraordinary celebration of athletic excellence, cultural unity and pride.”
Toronto 2017 NAIG Bid Committee chairperson, Marc Laliberte states “The Aboriginal Sport & Wellness Council of Ontario is tremendously proud and happy to be awarded the 2017 North American Indigenous Games in the greater Toronto area. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission has stressed the importance of NAIG as a means of healing and strengthening our people. We are excited to begin planning, knowing the experience will be incredible - with world class facilities and rich cultural programming. We will honour and respect the Spirit of the NAIG – Strong, Brave, True.”
Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation Chief Bryan LaForme attended the final bid presentation with Councillor Larry Sault in support of ASWCO’s bid to host the 2017 NAIG, “We are looking forward to welcoming the Indigenous youth and their families from across Turtle Island to our traditional territory. The Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation are honoured and excited to host the next set of the North American Indigenous Games, and provide a good follow up to hosting the Pan Am / Para-Pan Games”.
Following awarding of the 2017, the Toronto 2017 NAIG Bid Committee has several tasks to undertake in a 6-month period to form a host society which includes; recruit board of directors, incorporate an independent non-profit organization, confirm financial commitments and submit a business plan.
The North American Indigenous Games Council
NAIG Council is the International Governing Body for the NAIG exercising exclusive jurisdiction, either directly or through its affiliate members or committees, over all matters pertaining to the Games. It ensures the purposes and philosophies are reflected in all aspects of the NAIG.
The NAIG is a multi-sport, multi-disciplinary event involving Indigenous youth from Canada and USA. The Games offer 14 sport competitions with up to three age categories in each sport for both male and female participants. The NAIG also includes a vibrant cultural program showcasing local and North American Indigenous cultural groups and entertainers.
