2006 north american indigenous games
Let the Games Begin! The 2006 North American Indigenous Games (NAIG) will commence in only 52 days. The 2006 NAIG will take place . The host society continues to make great progress in finalizng our logistics. From July 2-9, 2006, Denver, Colorado, will be the cultural heart of North America as the host city of the 2006 NAIG. The 2006 NAIG will be a phenomenal celebration of sport and culture for North American Indigenous peoples of Turtle Island (North America). There will be 8,000-10,000 Indigenous athletes representing 31 Delegations from across the U.S. and Canada! An additional 40,000-50,000 supporters and spectators will also be participating. How to compete in the Games NAIG Council, governing body of the NAIG, requires that all participants be a part of a delegation. A delegation is a group of athletes (Native), coaches, managers, and team leaders (Chef de Missions) who participate under the auspices of a team within the NAIG Structure. Athletes (Native), coaches and officials that want to participate should contact their designated Team Leader (Chef de Mission) to find out how to get involved and if the designated team is taking a delegation to the 2006 NAIG. Please refer to Teams Section for additional information. Questions about the Games, contact your Chef de Mission (Team Leader). 2006 north american indigenous games 2006 NAIG is a large-scale multi-sport and culture celebration offering competition in 16 sports for youth between the ages 13-19 and adults ages 20 and over that features an opening & closing ceremonies and cultural village featuring an Opening & Closing Ceremony and Cultural Village. NAIG History In 1977, Willie Littlechild, from Alberta, spoke of his dream at the United Nations in Sweden. The vision was shared by Billy Mills, Charles Woods, John Fletcher, Alwyn Morris and Harold Burden. Thirteen years later, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada hosted the first North American Indigenous Games (NAIG). Through determination, conviction and a strong desire to raise our youth to their rightful place, the Spirit of an amazing movement was born. Walking with dignity and pride, guided by our ancestors, all events instill a sense of selfworth as Indigenous Peoples. The NAIG encourages the holistic developmet of Indigenous athletes, so they realize their individual physical, emotional, mental and spiritual potential. Previous NAIG 1990 – Edmonton, Alberta, Canada NAIG Mission
1993 – Prince Alberta, Saskatch., Canada
1995 – Blaine, Minnesota, U.S.
1997 – Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
2002 – Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Our mission is to improve the quality of life for Indigenous Peoples by supporting self-determined sports and cultural activities which encourage equal access to participation in the social/cultural fabric of the community in which they reside and which respects Indigenous distinctiveness.