A Halifax guide to the cultural offerings at the North American Indigenous Games

July 15, 2023

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Like no other major sporting event, culture makes up 50 percent of North American Indigenous games.

“Culture is who we are as Indigenous peoples,” explains Fiona Kirkpatrick Parsons, President of North American Indigenous Games. “It’s ingrained in everything. It’s part of our essence and part of everything we do.”

The largest multi-sport event in Atlantic Canadian history kicks off this weekend and Kjipuktuk (Halifax) is more than ready (along with Dartmouth, Millbrook First Nation and Sipekne’katik).

NAIG organizers hoped to sign up 3,000 volunteers. Instead, they had to close the online portal when they reached more than 5,000.

“We have an overwhelming amount of interest, which really tells you that this is a signal that people really want to be a part of these games.”

Cultural events are scheduled for three locations in HRM: Halifax Common, Halifax waterfront and Dartmouth Crossing.

“This is a celebration of all the cultures coming up, but clearly focuses on the host culture that is Mi’kmaq,” she said. “I think you’ll see an awful lot of pride and joy.”

Apart from the sold-out opening ceremony, everything is free and open to the public.

A map of the Cultural Village opening Saturday as part of the North American Indigenous Games. – NAIG

Cultural Village on the Halifax Common

For one week (July 15-22), there are dance and music performances in the Cultural Village set up on the Halifax Common. Some of the headliners include: Morgan Toney, Emma Stevens, City Natives, Dee Dee Austin, Neon Dreams and Snotty Nose Rez Kids.

“It’s just amazing in terms of the talent we’re going to showcase there and the focus is really on the youth, understanding that these are acts that they’re really going to have to deal with,” said Kirkpatrick Parsons.

There will also be cultural demonstrations featuring bead and feather work, hide tanning, drum making, moose hunting and more.

“These are practices, if you will, that have been handed down from generation to generation, despite all the opposition in Canada, at least from Indian law. When we were told we were less than, we now celebrate.”

Kjipuktuk is waiting for you, Turtle Island!

A special thanks to Elder Billy Joe for teaching our Culture Chair the traditional way of making the Mi’kmaq Wikuoms (Wigwams). pic.twitter.com/Y35khRHDyS

– 2023 North American Native Games (@NAIG2023) July 13, 2023

Pin trading is also expected to be big during NAIG, Kirkpatrick Parsons said. There are about 40 vendors in the market as well as food trucks and wigwams to see.

“These are traditional Mi’kmaw wigwams rather than teepees because teepees originated in the west,” she said.

A sacred fire will be lit in the Cultural Village that will burn during the games.

Preparations underway on Thursday at the Halifax Common for the upcoming North American Indigenous Games. The Cultural Village will open on Saturday. - Tim Krochak — Preparations underway on Thursday at the Halifax Common for the upcoming North American Indigenous Games. The Cultural Village will open on Saturday. – Tim Krochak

Halifax waterfront

The Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Center is hosting a cultural festival on the Halifax Waterfront (in the Salter Lot area at 1521 Lower Water St.), July 15-July 22 from noon to 5 p.m.

“We have local Mi’kmaw entertainment and cultural groups that come in from the NAIG teams to do some entertainment as well,” said Debbie Eisan, community events coordinator at the MNFC. “So there’s something scheduled every hour.”

Vendors line the waterfront selling native art and other items.

“Inuit culture will also be highlighted, so they’ll do some throat singing and drumming,” Eisan said. “And you might see a flash drumming down there.”

Cross Dartmouth

Performances, interactive activities and cultural demonstrations are scheduled for Dartmouth Crossing (26 Ferindonald Close) July 16-22 from noon to 5 p.m.

“I’d say it’s like a satellite festival,” said Kirkpatrick Parsons.

A volunteer walks past a traditional Mi'kmaw birch bark wigwam contrasted with the Plains style wigwam as preparations for the upcoming North American Indigenous Games begin on Thursday. The Cultural Village on the Halifax Common opens Saturday. - Tim Krochak — A volunteer walks past a traditional Mi’kmaw birch bark wigwam contrasted with the Plains style wigwam as preparations for the upcoming North American Indigenous Games begin on Thursday. The Cultural Village on the Halifax Common opens Saturday. – Tim Krochak

She said there will also be pop-up cultural celebrations all over the city.

“There will be some surprises, let’s put it this way,” she said.

‘Proud of who we are’

It is a life-changing event designed to lift Indigenous youth to the next level, said Kirkpatrick Parsons,

Team Nova Scotia pose for a photo during the 2017 North American Indigenous Games in Toronto. -NAIG 2023

“These games to me are about hope and if you have culture as part of that, it’s not just athleticism – although there will be plenty of that on display – but it’s pride in who we are as people.”

And for HRM residents, it’s an opportunity to learn and experience Indigenous culture on a grand scale.

“Usually you have to look for these experiences…but this is right around the corner. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn first-hand about the many aspects of our cultures.”