Welcome to the Tony Cote 
Summer Games
TONY COTE SUMMER GAMES
ON BEHALF OF THE BATTLEFORDS 
Agency Tribal Council (BATC), we are 
honoured to welcome athletes, families 
and Nations to the Tony Cote Summer 
Games, taking place July 26-31, 
2026, throughout North Battleford, 
Battleford and neighbouring First 
Nations communities. The Games 
arrive during a special moment in 
our shared history, marking 150 years 
since the signing of Treaty 6, bringing 
communities together through sport, 
culture and unity on Treaty 6 territory.
The Tony Cote Games were created 
to expand opportunities in sport for 
First Nations youth, and that purpose 
continues to guide this event today. 
Thousands of young athletes from 
Tribal Councils and First Nations 
across Saskatchewan are preparing 
to gather for a week of competition, 
connection and personal growth. Their 
participation reflects not only athletic 
commitment but also the strength and 
resilience of our communities. 
Athletes will compete in seven official 
sports: archery, canoe/kayak, golf, 
soccer, softball, beach volleyball and 
athletics. Events will be held at key 
locations across the region, including 
Centennial Park for soccer, softball 
and track events; Jackfish Lodge 
for golf; King Hill / Battle River 
Archers Outdoor Range for archery; 
and Moosomin First Nation for 
canoe and kayak races. The Dekker 
Centre for the Performing Arts and 
Access Communications Centre will 
further support the Games through 
ceremonies, entertainment and 
athlete services. 
Cultural celebration will play an essen-
tial role throughout the week. BATC 
has a strong history of community-
based cultural programming, including 
workshops, hands-on activities, tradi-
tional teachings and opportunities for 
people of all ages to engage with First 
Nations arts and practices. The 2026 
Games will continue that tradition by 
creating spaces where language, stories, 
music and ceremony can be shared 
proudly with all who attend. 
Our youth are at the heart of these 
Games. The Tony Cote Summer Games 
give young people the chance to 
compete in a supportive environment 
shaped by culture, mentorship and 
community pride. As we gather during 
this Treaty 6 anniversary year, we 
honour the leadership and potential 
of our youth, who carry forward the 
teachings, languages and values of 
their Nations. Their presence and 
achievements reflect the living spirit of 
our Treaties and the future strength of 
our communities.
BATC invites families, Elders, 
supporters and guests to join us this 
summer as we celebrate sport, culture 
and Nationhood. Together, we will 
cheer on our athletes, honour our 
Treaty responsibilities and create 
memories that inspire future genera-
tions. We look forward to welcoming 
you to the Tony Cote Summer Games 
– a powerful celebration of youth, unity 
and community. 
As hosts, BATC extends our deepest 
gratitude to our member Nations, part-
ners, volunteers and the communities 
of North Battleford and Battleford for 
walking alongside us in this journey. 
Together, we are building an event 
that honours our Treaties, uplifts our 
youth and showcases the excellence 
of our athletes and culture on Treaty 
6 territory. 
“When our youth step onto these fields, 
into these lanes or onto these stages, 
they carry more than a jersey – they 
carry our languages, our teachings 
and our hopes,” says BATC leadership. 
“The Tony Cote Summer Games are a 
promise kept to them: that their gifts 
will be seen, celebrated and supported 
on their homelands.”  
34  OUR PRIORITY  Issue 1  2025/26

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