b'NORTH AMERICAN INDIGENOUS GAMESScenes from earlier Indigenous Games: NAIG gives Indigenous youth an opportunity to compete in sports at an international level Werebringingsomeofthemostyouth in our communities were beingIn a press release upon winning the bid, talented athletes out of any demo- marginalized from the mainstreamTsuutina Nation Chief Roy Whitney rein-graphic to Calgary, and right now weresports system and not afforded theforced the importance of the Games and working on creating a buzz around thissame opportunities to compete at anlauded the decision to bring them back incredible event, says Lowa Beebe, CEOinternational level.to Calgary, noting, We look forward to of 2027 NAIG Host Society, and proudhosting Indigenous athletes and fami-member of the Piikani/Kainai Nations. NAIG, Brant continues, became anlies on our beautiful lands at the foot-opportunity for Indigenous athletes,hills of the Rockies. The first NAIG took place in 1990 incoaches and officials to compete at an Edmonton, nearly two decades afterinternational, multi-sport game level,Inadditiontothesymbolicloca-the inaugural Native Summer Gamesand to do so in an environment that istion, NAIG 2027 will take place at the came together in 1971 in Enoch, Alberta.very much built on a holistic approachsame time as the 150th anniversary of The significance of the location is not lost one that is safe and welcoming, whereTreaty 7. Beebe says that while planning on the 2027 NAIG organizers, who holdIndigenous identity and diversity is cele- is still ramping up, she is confident this deep regard for the Games origins andbrated, and where culture is infused intomilestone will receive due recognition a strong desire to expand their legacy. all elements of the Games. at the Games and in events being held throughout the city. The North American Indigenous GamesThemesofIndigenousprideand grew out of a grassroots movement ofcommunity spirit continue to be theCASE STUDY self-determination, says Rick Brant, afocal point for NAIG 2027 organizers andThe North American Indigenous Games Mohawk athlete, NAIG Council pres- supporters. Among these supportershave a history of leaving a lasting cultural ident and chief executive officer forare the Alberta and federal govern- impact wherever they are held. While the Indigenous Sport, Physical Activityments, ISPARC, the Indigenous Sportsthis is certainly not the events primary and Recreation Council (ISPARC). ItCouncil of Alberta, the City of Calgary,goal, there is no denying the economic was about Indigenous people recog- numerous sponsors, and reps from localadvantages that NAIG brings to each nizingthat,forthemostpart,theIndigenous Nations.of its host regions. One needs only to Indigenous BUSINESS REPORT83'