Tourism, Culture and Recreation
Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs
August 1, 2008

Newfoundland and Labrador to Compete at North American Indigenous Games

For the first time in the province�s history, Newfoundland and Labrador will have a team competing at the North American Indigenous Games (NAIG) taking place this year from August 3-10 in the Cowichan Valley, British Columbia.

Forty-four Aboriginal athletes from Nain, Natuashish, Hopedale, Makkovik, Postville, Northwest River, Sheshatshiu, Conne River and Bay St. George, ranging in age from 13 to 18, will compete at the games in four of the 16 contemporary and traditional sporting events � badminton, volleyball, track and field, and golf.

The Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, said Newfoundland and Labrador�s participation in the games marks a milestone in the province�s athletic history and will provide a valuable sport development opportunity for the athletes. Budget 2008 provided $50,000 to assist with Team Newfoundland and Labrador�s participation at NAIG.

�This investment in our young athletes is designed to provide more competitive sports experience, as well as a unique cultural experience,� said Minister Jackman. �We expect participation will help foster cultural pride, as well as promote active, healthy lifestyles within the province�s Aboriginal population.�

All the regions of North America will be represented at the games, with 13 provincial and territorial teams from across Canada and as many as 20 teams from the United States participating. A total of 20,000 participants and spectators combined are expected to attend the event.

�The North American Indigenous Games provide a great opportunity for Aboriginal youth to experience the thrill of competitive sports while taking part in a unique cultural exchange with Aboriginal youth from across the continent,� said the Honourable Patty Pottle, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs. �I wish our athletes success in competition and I look forward to hearing from our young men and women about their experiences during this great celebration of sport and culture.�

Jerry Wetzel, chair of the board of directors for the Aboriginal Sport and Recreation Circle of Newfoundland and Labrador, said that members of Team Newfoundland and Labrador are excited about the opportunity.

�I commend government for their support and co-operation in making this opportunity possible for the young Aboriginal athletes of our province,� said Mr. Wetzel. �Participants will be given a chance to showcase their athletic ability in an international competition and these athletes will no doubt do a fine job representing our province.�

The Aboriginal Sport and Recreation Circle of Newfoundland and Labrador represents the province�s Inuit, Innu, Mi�kmaw and Labrador Metis, and all four groups will be represented at the games.

The North American Indigenous Games were established in 1990, with the first event held in Edmonton, Alberta, with approximately 3,000 participants. In less than two decades, the number of sport and cultural participants has more than tripled. Newfoundlanders and Labradorians can watch the games unfold on the APTN network.

- 30 -

Media contacts:

Heather May
Director of Communications
Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation
709-729-0928, 697-5061
heathermay@gov.nl.ca
John Tompkins
Director of Communications
Department of Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs
709-729-1674, 728-7762
jtompkins@gov.nl.ca

2008 08 01                                    10:05 a.m.


SearchHomeBack to GovernmentContact Us


All material copyright the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. No unauthorized copying or redeployment permitted. The Government assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of any material deployed on an unauthorized server.
Disclaimer/Copyright/Privacy Statement