1993 NAIG Opening Ceremonies, Prince Albert, Saskatchewan © Rick Brant 1993

The vision continues: 1993 NAIG

The second North American Indigenous Games were held in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, July 18-25, 1993

• The 1993 Games continued the legacy of sporting excellence and personal development started in 1990 for all Indigenous participants
• The focus was on youth to experience the rich history and cultural traditions so they can stand strong, brave and true
• They attracted approximately 4,400 sport participants and several hundred cultural performers from Indigenous communities across Canada and the United States

What are the NAIG?

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Eugene Arcand, Chairperson, 1993 NAIG Courtesy of: North American Indigenous Games Council, 1993 North American Indigenous Games Host Society, TSN 1993

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Some of the cultural and sporting events Courtesy of: North American Indigenous Games Council, 1993 North American Indigenous Games Host Society, TSN 1993

Competing, participating, sharing, celebrating at the 1993 NAIG

• Altogether, an estimated 25,000 participants and spectators attended
• The sports contested were Archery, Badminton, Baseball, Basketball, Boxing, Canoeing, Fastball, Golf, Field Lacrosse, Rifle Shooting, Soccer, Swimming, Track & Field, Volleyball, Wrestling
• Overall team champion: Saskatchewan, for the 2nd time
• Many cultural activities included both young and old: "Culture is our heritage; it's part of our being." "We always include our cultural ways . . . to enhance the pride of one and all." (Eugene Arcand). Events presented in the Cultural Village were:
  • Traditional Dances: Fancy, Square, Jingle Dress and others
  • All Nations traditional Pow wows and food fairs
  • Fashion show
  • Elders circle
  • Traditional sports
  • Talent show
  • Craft fair
  • Rodeo
    

Will the vision continue?

From a coach: "Hopefully this will carry on for generations to come. It's the greatest experience. . . It's a way for the youth to start setting goals for themselves." (Darren Stevenson, Badminton coach)

From an athlete: "I'll show them [First Nation youth] my medal, tell them what I did, that it's good, that it's worth it, that it's a good thing to work for . . ."
(Rupert Lopez, wrestler)

From a volunteer:". . . We must ensure that we encourage our young people to learn the teachings that were handed down through the old people. Emotional, mental, physical and spiritual well-being are the four components to holistic development, and the North American Indigenous Games provide all of those." (Lorna Arcand, Host Community Coordinator and Athlete Services) click to hear audio

Lorna Arcand, Host Community Coordinator and Athlete Services Courtesy of: North American Indigenous Games Council, 1993 North American Indigenous Games Host Society, TSN 1993

Closing ceremonies, 1993 NAIG Courtesy of: North American Indigenous Games Council, 1993 North American Indigenous Games Host Society, TSN 1993

From the organizer: "The 1993 North American Indigenous Games were a great triumph. The Spirit Strong, Brave and True . . . an affirmation of what lies at the core of the Native heart. Understand these words, and you'll understand the Indigenous people of North America. Understand also that these Games represent only a stepping-stone, a beginning. What was learned and experienced in Prince Albert is to be treasured and built upon." (Eugene Arcand, Chairperson)

Sources

1993 North American Indigenous Games Host Society tape, "T.S.N Report#2"
Courtesy of: North American Indigenous Games Council, 1993 NAIG Host Society, TSN 1993