North American Indigenous Games officially opened in Halifax
The North American Indigenous Games officially kicked off Sunday night, as thousands of Indigenous athletes from across the continent filled the main hockey arena in Halifax.
Norman Sylliboy, Grand Chief of the Mik’maq Grand Council, gave an opening address to the assembled athletes, officially opening the games.
“As an indigenous people of Canada, our way of life has been under constant attack and influence since the arrival of settlers more than 500 years ago, and was eventually replaced by foreign powers,” Sylliboy said.
“It was the vision to have Mi’kmaq united again, to see all the Indigenous brothers and sisters here today working together…I believe we have the path of healing and hope that all Indigenous communities will be restored one day .”
The 2023 games will blend Indigenous culture with sporting events, bringing together approximately 5,000 athletes, coaches and mission personnel from 750 First Nations across the continent.
Watch the opening ceremony of 2023 North American Indigenous Games from Halifax, Nova Scotia.
Competitors from Ontario and Alberta led the procession of athletes into the hockey arena as the stadium gradually filled with young people waving flags and holding banners representing their territory. Athletes came from indigenous communities in numerous states and provinces, including British Columbia, California and Colorado.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau attended the event and was greeted with cheers and boos as he took the stage to address the audience.
He told the stadium packed with young athletes that in the coming week they will celebrate not only their athletic achievements, but also their identity, culture and future as Indigenous leaders.
“You are here, young, strong indigenous leaders, heirs to a legacy of colonialism, of assimilation, of policies in Canada and the United States that sought to erase your language, culture and identity,” he said. . “You’re still here and you’re still strong.”
Trudeau said it was important for his administration to help fund the games because they promote reconciliation with Indigenous peoples and help Indigenous youth connect with each other.
“You know the legacy of residential schools. You lived it… and you step up to reclaim that identity, speak your language, celebrate your cultures, understand your traditions, to be the strong leaders of today and tomorrow that this country and this world needs,” he said.
Addison Hoyle, a 12-year-old from the Treaty 6 Cree area of northern Alberta, said she was excited to be in Halifax where she would see her brother compete in golf competitions.
“It’s cool to see my people around here,” she said as the parade of athletes approached.
Towards the end of the ceremonies, Mi’kmaw elder Jane Meader spoke to the thousands of young people about the importance of water to the culture of her people and to all peoples.
As women poured water from 13 Mi’kmaw communities into a copper bowl, she explained each of the types of water her First Nation cherished: salt water from the ocean; fresh water for drinking and cooking; the precipitation “from heaven … falling upon us;” and the “sweet water” that comes from trees.
The “last water” is the amniotic fluid that children hold when they’re in their mother’s body, she said.
“As we pray over this water, my daughter will sing the song to thank the Creator for all that we have received and all that has been given to us. Remember, honor that water, respect that water… without that water we love to exist,” she said, to loud applause from the athletes.
In interviews over the weekend, game president George (Tex) Marshall said the goal is to “infuse” all 21 locations with Indigenous traditions.
He said ceremonies such as smudging, where holy smoke is dispensed to participants, will be available to athletes, coaches and volunteers. In addition, elders will be on site to offer advice and comfort, and signage will be in Mi’kmaw, along with English and French.
The games will take place at venues in Halifax, known as Kjipuktuk, along with events at Millbook First Nation, near Truro, NS, and Sipekne’katik First Nation, about 60 miles north of the county seat.
Events include the traditional indigenous sports of canoe/kayak, archery and lacrosse, as well as soccer, softball, swimming, volleyball, wrestling, beach volleyball, rifle shooting, track and field, badminton, baseball and basketball.
