October 6, 2022
For immediate release
KJIPUKTUK (HALIFAX) – The 2023 North American Indigenous Games (NAIG) Host Society is looking for 3,000 volunteers to help bring the Games to life in July 2023.
“Nova Scotians have a fantastic reputation for hosting excellent events, with a tremendous spirit of volunteerism,” said NAIG 2023 board chair, Fiona Kirkpatrick Parsons. “NAIG offers our volunteers an opportunity to be a part of history–the largest event ever held in Atlantic Canada since contact. Not only will they help us host this significant event and have role-specific training, they will also be educated on Mi’kmaq culture, which is unique to this volunteering experience.”
Three-thousand planning, pre-Games and Games-time volunteers will fill roles ranging from transportation, culture/ceremonies, IT, venue operations, medical and media support.
Support4Sport is the presenting partner of the Games volunteer program, helping to ensure the 3,000 volunteers have a supportive and positive experience.
Volunteers will be screened and asked to commit at least 18 hours over the nine-day Games period.
“These Games will create an opportunity to bring the Indigenious and non-Indigenious communities together,” said NAIG 2023 culture chair Michael R. Denny. “Volunteering for the Games is a chance for individuals and organizations to come together and help create a safe and welcoming environment for our youth. We look forward to celebrating these youth, the culture and the community.”
The 2023 North American Indigenous Games will be the largest multi-sport and cultural event held in Nova Scotia since contact. From July 15 to 23, 2023, more than 5,000 participants will compete in 16 sports, attracting thousands of visitors, VIPs, officials and media.
People interested in volunteering who will be at least 14 years old by July 1, 2023 can apply online at https://naig2023.com/opportunities/.
- In July 2023, Halifax and Nova Scotia will welcome more than 5,000 athletes, performers, coaches and managers from over 756 nations from across Turtle Island (North America).
- Support4Sport is the presenting partner of the Games volunteer program.
- Volunteers between the ages of 14 and 15 will work in groups with supervision.
- Any volunteer under the age of 16 is required to have a parent or legal guardian complete and sign a consent form.
- The hosting of NAIG 2023 is estimated to generate $19.8M in new money for the Province of Nova Scotia based on a Sport Tourism Economic Assessment Model (STEAM 2.0) forecast.
Additional Resources
2023 North American Indigenous Games – https://naig2023.com/
Support4Sport – https://support4sport.ca/
For inquiries, contact:
Media and Communications Coordinator
zane.sylliboy@naig2023.com