b'NORTH AMERICAN INDIGENOUS GAMESNAIG also provides organizers with a unique opportunity to showcase Indigenous culture, arts and craftsthat NAIG 2027 will take place shortlybe an opportunity for Calgarians to reallythey needed, says Brant. Now, after after another of Calgarys most popularget up close and personal with peopleadopting a four-year cycle, its giving touristdraws,theannualCalgaryfrom all across Turtle Island, to under- the hosts a much longer runway. That Stampede.TheGamesaregoingstand and appreciate the diversity ofsupports the development of a compre-to be happening right after the 2027our cultures, and thats a beautiful thing,hensive business plan, robust policies Calgary Stampede, and this year, theshe says. I hope Calgary and Calgariansand procedures, and allows the host Calgary Stampede broke records forfeel as excited as people in Halifax didto conduct community engagement how many visitors they brought to theand that they understand that hostingprocesses towards building a legacy City of Calgary, she says. these Games [will not only have] a hugeplan that leaves a lasting impact on economic impact but will leave themthe community. Beebe is confident that the crowdswith memories and experiences that will attracted by the Games will also drivelast for the rest of their lives.Thatplan,Brantcontinues,isone activity for Indigenous and non-Indige- that embraces collaboration among nous businesses: Not only will it be anNAIG 2027 may still be a few years away,Indigenous and non-Indigenous people economic benefit for the city and ourbut organizers are already busy plan- to create an event that will make a partners, it will also be an opportunityning for the future sporting event andbroader impact, not just on the health for the local Nations and our tourismappreciate the longer timeframe theyand well-being of Indigenous people, industry within this area, including thehave to do so. We used to host thebut local employment, training and very popular Indigenous tourism sitesGames every two years, and there waseconomic opportunity. that are in the area, she explains.a sense of urgency around making sure Beebe adds that NAIG 2027 organizersthey were well run and that everyoneMost importantly, says Brant, That is all are also focused on ensuring that theparticipating received the supportkey to advancing reconciliation. Games engage the local Indigenous labour force: Its really important that you look for and employ IndigenousUnlocking Learning Potentialpeople, and that there are opportunities for mentorship and developing skills.Transforming Education, One Design at a TimeWORDS OF WISDOMKirkpatrick Parsons time as chair of theUnlock the power of education with our comprehensive services, NAIG 2023 Council left her with insightsfrom instructional design that maximizes engagement to into what it takes to live up to that legacy.eLearning and educational technology With words of wisdom for Calgarys team,solutions that bridge the gap between she says it starts by emphasizing andtradition and innovation, ensuring encouraging Indigenous engagement:inclusive and culturally relevant, practical Its important to remember who wereand applied learning experiences for all.doing the Games for. Calgary is made up of a number of different First Nations and Mtis, so there is an opportunity to bring them together while making sure everyone has the same opportunity to represent their cultures.VIRTUAL VI LET virtualviolet.ca(403) 973-0903KirkpatrickParsonsalsobelievesLEARNINGDESIGN maris@virtualviolet.caCalgarians are likely to benefit in ways they arent even aware of yet. This will Indigenous BUSINESS REPORT85'