Millions$$ for 2014 North American Indigenous Games

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NAIG
North American Indigenous Games

The Games will take place in Regina from July 20 to 27, 2014, will involve more than 3,000 volunteers and over 5,000 junior athletes aged 13 to 19, who will compete in 15 sports.

The Government of Canada is providing up to $3.5 million for this event through Sport Canada's Hosting Program.

The Province of Saskatchewan is also providing $3.5 million in support of the Games. The City of Regina is investing $1 million, and the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations is providing $135,000. (scroll down below for news release issued by Canada August 2012)

( BACKGROUND: NAIG past mentions on Turtle Island Native Network search.php?keywords=naig )


(photo by Indigenous Sport Council (Alberta) - NAIG at Cowichan 2008 )
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Harper Government Invests in the Regina 2014 North American Indigenous Games

REGINA, Aug. 17, 2012

On behalf of the Honourable Bal Gosal, Minister of State (Sport), Rob Clarke, Member of Parliament (Desnethé-Missinippi-Churchill River), today announced Canada's support for the Regina 2014 North American Indigenous Games. This announcement was made at the First Nations University of Canada during a signing ceremony for the multiparty agreement between the Government of Canada, the Province of Saskatchewan, the City of Regina, the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations (FSIN), and the Regina 2014 North American Indigenous Games Host Society.

"Our Government is proud to invest in the Regina 2014 North American Indigenous Games," said Minister Gosal. "We are committed to contributing to the health, wellness, and quality of life of Aboriginal Peoples through participation in sport."

"The Regina 2014 North American Indigenous Games will have a tremendous impact on the development of our Aboriginal athletes, coaches, and leaders," said Mr. Clarke. "This international sport event will bring direct and significant economic, sport and cultural benefits to Regina, the province of Saskatchewan and to Canada as a whole."

The Games, which will take place in Regina from July 20 to 27, 2014, will involve more than 3,000 volunteers and over 5,000 junior athletes aged 13 to 19, who will compete in 15 sports.

"The 2014 Games will provide a venue for Aboriginal athletes to excel and a platform for Saskatchewan to shine," said Minister responsible for Tourism Saskatchewan Tim McMillan. "Our volunteers know how to do world-class events, and I'm looking forward to the unparalleled experience that this event will afford to residents, athletes, and visitors alike."

"The City of Regina is a proud sponsor and supporter of the 2014 National Indigenous Games," said Mayor Pat Fiacco. "In addition to the economic and cultural importance of the Games, involvement in sport brings out the best in our young people and encourages leadership and team building skills that will last a lifetime."

The North American Indigenous Games are the largest sporting and cultural gathering of Indigenous people in North America and will provide Canadian Aboriginal athletes, coaches, and officials with a valuable competitive opportunity.

"The Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations takes pride in welcoming back the North American Indigenous Games," said Morley Watson, Chair of the Regina 2014 North American Indigenous Games Host Society's Board of Directors and Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations interim Chief. "Saskatchewan was host in 1993, when we held the second annual Indigenous Games in Prince Albert. We look forward to making these games a memorable experience for the thousands of athletes, coaches, families, and fans that will be attending this international event. We want to thank our partners for the tremendous support they have provided to help make these games a reality."

The Government of Canada is the single largest contributor to sport in Canada and supports participation and excellence from playground to podium. The Government of Canada is providing up to $3.5 million for this event through Sport Canada's Hosting Program.

The Province of Saskatchewan is also providing $3.5 million in support of the Games. The City of Regina is investing $1 million, and the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations is providing $135,000.

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NAIG 2014

The North American Indigenous Games Council is pleased to announce Regina, Saskatchewan will have the honour of hosting the 2014 North American Indigenous Games.

After a competitive bid process the Host Candidate Cities from Regina, Saskatchewan; Halifax, Nova Scotia and London, Ontario made final presentations to the NAIG Council in Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada.

The Regina Bid Committee is comprised of representatives from the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations, City of Regina, Province of Saskatchewan, Metis Nation of Saskatchewan, University of Regina and several cultural/community delegates.

"We are extremely proud and honoured to be selected to host the 2014 North American Indigenous Games," says FSIN Vice Chief Morley Watson. "The real winners will be our young Indigenous athletes from across North America."

Harold Joseph, NAIG Council President says "The 2014 North American Indigenous Games will be held in Regina, Saskatchewan based on the determined and dedicated efforts from the Regina host candidate city. The partnership between the Aboriginal community, municipal and provincial governments and the successful completion of 3 bid stages were keys to their winning bid"

The NAIG Council will monitor and work with host organizing committee from Regina, Saskatchewan during a mandatory probationary period. NAIG Council will formally announce the "2014 NAIG Host Society" when all conditions are met and continue monitoring their progress throughout planning and delivery.

For more information please contact

Harold Joseph, President
North American Indigenous Games Council
Mobile: (425) 299-0106
Email: harold_joseph@msvl.k12.wa.us

Norman Ettawacappo
NAIG Council Liaison
Mobile: (204) 471-0803
Email: nj.ettawacappo@live.ca

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NAIG Council members, partners and supporters;

The North American Indigenous Games Council is pleased to announce the launch of the NAIG Council website, http://www.naigcouncil.com

The launch coincides with the announcement of the 2014 NAIG multi-party agreement held in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada. The Regina 2014 NAIG Host Society chairman Morley Watson, in his speech during the funding announcement, directed the public to the website as it contains the 2014 NAIG countdown clock and general 2014 NAIG information. NAIG Council has also created a facebook page and twitter feed which can be accessed through the website.


More information on the multiparty agreement signing will be distributed in the coming days.

NAIG Council President Dave Canadian commented “Launching http://www.naigcouncil.com will definitely assist the Council, Host Society, participating regions and NAIG participants in the sharing of information. It will improve our communication with the general public which has always been a challenge and social media will give our youth an opportunity to engage with us, it is exciting!”.

The website, facebook page and twitter feeds will be monitored and updated on a regular basis.

If there are any questions or have any recommendations on our new communication tools please contact Mr. Norman Ettawacappo, NAIG Council Coordinator through email norman@naigcouncil.com. toll-free at 1-800-453-7239.

Thank you.