For Immediate Release

KJIPUKTUK (HALIFAX) – The 2023 North American Indigenous Games (NAIG) Host Society celebrated a day of Indigenous culture and music to mark the one year countdown to the Games, in partnership with the TD Halifax Jazz Festival. The NAIG Host Society announced that four new Games partners are committing a total $1.275M in funding and support for the Games and officially kicked-off their recruitment for 3,000 Games volunteers.

“One year from today, Kjipuktuk (Halifax) and Millbrook First Nation will welcome the largest gathering of Indigenous youth since contact,” said Fiona Kirkpatrick Parsons, board chair, 2023 North American Indigenous Games Host Society. “These Games will leave a legacy that will remain long past 2023 and we are deeply thankful to our partners announced today, who are joining us in our efforts to ensure these Games will be the best ones yet.”

The event included traditional song and dance, along with special performances by two-time East Coast Music Award winner Morgan Toney with Keith Mullins, Alan Syliboy and the Thundermakers, as a part of the TD Halifax Jazz Festival.

“We are all treaty people, and I am proud and honoured that Kjipuktuk will help host the North American Indigenous Games, the largest multi-sport and indigenous cultural event ever held.” said Mayor Mike Savage. “Thank you to all the staff, volunteers and citizens that have come together. I am so excited about the work we are doing as we prepare to welcome the more than 5000 athletes, coaches, and team staff from more than 750 Indigenous Nations, to our city for this amazing event.”

“In just one year, our province will be abuzz with the 2023 North American Indigenous Games,” said Karla MacFarlane, Minister of the Office of L’Nu Affairs. “We cannot wait to welcome Indigenous athletes and their families to Nova Scotia and we look forward to sharing and celebrating culture, language, and community. This event is a long time coming and will leave a lasting impact on our province.”

“The North American Indigenous Games play an important role in the development of young Indigenous athletes, offering them a valuable experience where they can test their limits and allowing them to come together through sport. That is why our government is proud to support these unifying games,” said the Honourable Pascale St-Onge, Minister of Sport and Minister responsible for the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec. “We look forward to cheering on the athletes and celebrating the rich culture of Indigenous communities.” “This marks the first time the Games have been hosted in Mi’kma’ki,” said Chief Norman Bernard of Wagmatcook and president of the Mi’kmaq Sport Council. “We’re honoured to host and look forward to sharing our Mi’kmaq culture with the rest of Turtle Island (North America).”

The Games will take place July 15 to 23, 2023 across Kjipuktuk (Halifax) and Millbrook First Nation.

Quotes

“At Nova Scotia Gaming, we believe that events like NAIG, are an important part of the cultural fabric of Nova Scotia. We look forward to welcoming athletes, coaches and staff to Kjipuktuk in 2023 for the largest multi-sport and Indigenous cultural event to ever be held in Atlantic Canada.”

–Bob MacKinnon, President & CEO, Nova Scotia Gaming Corporation

“We could not be more pleased that the 2023 North American Indigenous Games are being held right here in Nova Scotia and to have the opportunity to support this important event. We look forward to learning more about and celebrating the Indigenous culture of our region and many others across North America at the Games.”

–Patrick Daigle, President & CEO, Atlantic Lottery

“Deloitte is honoured and privileged to be supporting the 2023 North American Indigenous Games. Being able to contribute to the Games in a meaningful way is incredibly gratifying for all of us at Deloitte and, of course, it’s very much aligned with our commitments as outlined in our Reconciliation Action Plan. With more than 5,000 Indigenous youth participating in this life-changing, exciting, and impactful event, we hope this experience helps and inspires each and every participant to thrive.”

–Anthony Viel, CEO, Deloitte Canada

“AFNWA is pleased to partner with NAIG to welcome Indigenous athletes to Mi’kma’ki in their pursuit of excellence. Well before the games kick-off, the AFNWA will provide water and wastewater services across Wabanaki in support of self-determination and capacity building within First Nations communities.”

–Carl Yates, AFNWA interim CEO

Quick Facts:

  • 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).
  • The Host Society also announced a total of $1.275M in funding and support for the Games from the Nova Scotia Gaming Corporation ($750,000), Atlantic Lottery ($250,000), Deloitte Canada ($200,000) and the Atlantic First Nations Water Authority (AFNWA) ($75,000). The funding and support will go towards the hosting and operations of the Games.
  • The NAIG 2023 Host Society is looking for 3,000 people to share in the excitement of delivering the Games in July 2023. Volunteers will be screened and asked to commit at least three shifts or a total of 18 hours over the Games period. Interested people can apply online at naig2023.com/opportunities/.
  • 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.
  • The Mi’kmaq Sport Council was awarded the hosting rights of the North American Indigenous Games in May 2018.

Additional Resources

2023 North American Indigenous Games – https://naig2023.com/

Nova Scotia Gaming Corporation – https://gamingns.ca/

Atlantic Lottery Corporation – https://www.alc.ca/

Deloitte Canada – https://www.deloitte.ca

Atlantic First Nations Water Authority – https://www.afnwa.ca/

For inquiries, contact:

Zane Sylliboy

Media and Communications Coordinator

902-483-8687

zane.sylliboy@naig2023.com