b'NORTH AMERICAN INDIGENOUS GAMESEmbracing and sharing Indigenous culture: the opening ceremonies of the 2023 North American Indigenous Gamesreview the economic benefits gener- Around 40 Indigenous artisans were setThe takeaway that we heard from staff ated by NAIG 2023 in Kjipuktuk/Halifaxup in the events Cultural Village, whileand coaches, adds Kirkpatrick Parsons, on the east coast to realize the extraor- additional vendors were situated in areaswas that every single youth went home dinary potential.throughout the city. I remember goingwith a story, with memories theyll take booth to booth to talk with Indigenouswith them for life. That was really our This was the single largest multi-sportvendors, and except for times whenmain goalthat these would be life-andculturalgatheringinAtlanticthe weather wasnt great, each of themchanging Games. Canadas history since Contact, and itsaid they were doing brisk business was a tremendous success, says Fionaevery day, recalls Kirkpatrick Parsons.Indeed, one of the most important Kirkpatrick Parsons, chair of NAIG 2023I would say the event was beneficial foraspects of the Games is the attention and CCIB board member from Lac LaIndigenous vendors. People definitelythey bring to young athletes, which in Ronge First Nation in Treaty 6 territory. came to shop. turn drives investments and support for their future success. Having been According to NAIG 2023s economicNAIGs economic influence extendsinvolved in the 1993, 1997 and 2008 report, the Games generated: beyond the week of competition. AtNAIG events, Brant reflects, So many the time of print, Kirkpatrick Parsonsyouth now have benefited from this $14.97 million in aggregate attendeereported that NAIGs Legacy Fundexperience. When we consider the social impact of the Gamesthe transforma-spending,whichincludes$10.1surplus has exceeded expectationstive power theyve had on everyone who million in spectator spending (e.g.,and will leave significant funds that willattendedwe see that the Games have accommodations, restaurants, food,go toward supporting the Aboriginaldone a lot to motivate change in terms groceries, recreation, retail, transpor- Sports Circle, NAIG 2027 organizers,of lifestyle choices and raise self-confi-tation, etc.), $3.1 million in team/dele- and advancing amateur sports in thedence and self-value. It really empha-gation spending, and $1.8 million inHalifax region. Its going to be gener- sizes why there is a national move-other visitor spending (e.g., media,ational money, says Kirkpatrick Parsons.ment around these Games and why VIPs, volunteers and participants);The impacts will be felt for years.the Indigenous community sees them $18.5 million in wages and salaries,INVALUABLE MEMORIES as a priority. supporting 305 jobs (279 locally); The economic stats from the 2023 NorthLOOKING AHEAD American Indigenous Games paint aNAIG 2027 organizers are preparing $20.5 million in spending on goodspromising picture for Calgary. As orga-to build on the Games momentum. and services to stage the event; and nizers from the Halifax event remind us,Promisingly, says Brant, the Calgary however, the true value lies in compet- event is expected to attract over 6,000 $5.3 million in investments towarditorscominghomewithrenewedathletes and those travelling with them,capital projects related to venuesstrength, courage and determination.be it family, friends or Elders: Were for the Games and the future oflooking at larger participation levels than sports hosting. When you speak to these Indigenouswe saw in Halifax and if thats achieved, youth who participated, it was kind ofthere is potential for a significantly larger At a broader level, the net economica leaping board for their own careers,economic impact on Calgary and in the activity (GDP) generated by the 2023[especially] for their own sportingprovince of Alberta."NAIG totalled $26.2 million for Halifax,careers,saysKirkpatrickParsons. $29.2 million for the province of NovaAnd thats what sport does. It helpsSeveral factors are lined up in Calgarys Scotia, and $39.9 million for Canada as ainstil things like self-discipline andfavour. For one, the city benefits from whole. Additionally, the event supportedself-confidence, and gives you confi- being a very accessible Canadian desti-tax revenues totalling over $14.2 milliondence to travel, make friends andnationnearnumerousIndigenous across the country. build relationships.communities. It also helps, adds Beebe, 84A CCIB PUBLICATIONFall 2024'