1997 North American Indigenous Games Opening Ceremony
VICTORIA, August 3, 1997 -- Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development Jane Stewart, on behalf of Minister of Canadian Heritage Sheila Copps, officially opened the 1997 North American Indigenous Games (NAIG) today."The North American Indigenous Games is about friendship, challenge, sportsmanship and partnership -- all things that encourage personal growth," said Minister Stewart. "The event brings together young role models in an important international celebration of Aboriginal values and cultural traditions."
The games will run from August 3 to August 10 in the Greater Victoria area in British Columbia. These are the 4th North American Indigenous Games and are also the celebration of the Tribal Journeys. The Pullers and Drummers of the Tribal Journeys come from more than 50 Indigenous Nations and showed their support for both the Aboriginal athletes and cultural participants, travelling over 1,000 miles through the traditional territories of many Indigenous Nations to perform their Traditional Song at the Opening Ceremony. All the athletic teams and cultural groups gathered together to show unity and joined in on the Opening Prayer.
The Hosting Partners of NAIG gave warm messages of welcome, following the presentation of the NAIG Eagle Staff from Minnesota to Victoria. The ceremony wrapped up with a Friendship Dance, allowing all participants to rejoice to the theme of the Games "Celebrate the Circle, Share the Spirit". The Games foster a sense of pride of Aboriginal Peoples and promote individual achievements, as well as community, sport, and heritage.
The North American Indigenous Games are one of the primary vehicles identified by the Canadian Aboriginal community to remove barriers to participation for Aboriginal people in sport in Canada. They also aim to recognize and honour all participants while balancing the protocols of over 100 Indigenous Nations who are joining in from around the world.
Information:
Janet Bax
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
(819) 997-7788
Bruce Lund
Senior Program Officer
Canadian Heritage
(250) 363-3514
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