The dream becomes a reality

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Willie Littlechild, Honorary President, 1990 Opening Ceremonies, Edmonton, Alberta Courtesy of: North American Indigenous Games Council, 1990 NAIG Host Society 1990

1990 NAIG Opening Ceremonies, Edmonton, Alberta © Northern Native Broadcasting Yukon 1990

The first ever: 1990 NAIG

The first North American Indigenous Games were held in Edmonton, Alberta, July 1-8, 1990

• They were held in association with the National Indian Athletic Association
• They attracted approximately 3000 sport participants and 37 cultural groups from Indigenous Peoples/Nations across Canada and the United States
• The arrow presented to Willie Littlechild in Sweden was carried during the ceremonial run from Wyoming to Edmonton

The purpose and spirit of the Games

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Kahnawake Grand Chief Joe Norton, 1990 NAIG Opening Ceremonies © Northern Native Broadcasting Yukon 1990

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Alwyn Morris, 1984 Kayak Gold Medal Olympian, 1990 NAIG Opening Ceremonies © Northern Native Broadcasting Yukon 1990

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Some of the sporting and cultural events © Northern Native Broadcasting Yukon 1990

Competing, participating, sharing, celebrating at the 1990 NAIG

• Few Indigenous Peoples compete in mainstream sport, especially youth
  
• The NAIG is an opportunity for Indigenous youth across North America to:
  • compete in 15 sports: Archery, Basketball, Boxing, Canoeing, Golf, Box Lacrosse, Marathon, Rifle Shooting, Rodeo, Soccer, Softball, Swimming, Track & Field, Volleyball, Wrestling
    
  • prepare for sporting events such as Provincial and Canada Games
    
  • celebrate their heritage
    
• Overall team champion: Saskatchewan
  
• Adult Indigenous participants competed in select sport events, such as the marathon
  
• The cultural component enhanced the overall NAIG spirit. "..it was seen as an integral part of who we are as a People." (Cheryl McLean, Team Yukon organizer)
  
  • Thirty-seven cultural groups came from across North America to share their Indigenous cultures and traditions. Events included Throat Singers, hoop and square dancers, Pow wows, Arctic Sports and Dene Winter Games demonstrations, food and craft fairs, and war canoe race demonstrations
    
  • Elders came to talk about their languages and to share stories; their strong support helped make the Games a success
    
  • The spiritual ceremonies, especially the prayers, were an integral factor in the Games' success

Will the vision continue?

Cheryl McLean, Team Yukon organizer © Northern Native Broadcasting Yukon 1990	Chester Kelly, Track coach © Northern Native Broadcasting Yukon 1990
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Sources

Conversations with Willie Littlechild and Charles Wood

1990 North American Indigenous Games Host Society tape

Northern Native Broadcasting Yukon, 1990 Team Yukon tape, Video Footage by Keyah Productions "Indigenous Games - First Ever - 1990 Edmonton, Alberta"
© Northern Native Broadcasting Yukon 1990