The North American Indigenous Games have kicked off in Halifax: Here’s all you need to know

More than 5,000 athletes and cultural performers from 756 First Nations communities have arrived in Halifax for the North American Indigenous Games. Here's what you need to know.

The largest Indigenous gathering and multi-sport event to be hosted in Atlantic Canadian history kicked off on Saturday, as an opening ceremony for the North American Indigenous Games (NAIG) will be held at the Scotiabank Centre in Halifax to a sold-out crowd on Sunday evening.

The 10th edition of the event, which runs until July 23, features more than 500 athletes hailing from 756 nations throughout the continent.

The nine-day showcase, which highlights a variety of cultural activities to complement 16 individual sporting competitions, will mainly be held in Kjipuktuk (Halifax), with additional events taking place in Dartmouth, Millbrook First Nation and Sipekne’katik.

The first competitions kick off on Monday with cultural events taking place at the Halifax Common throughout the weekend.

The most talented young athletes from a wide range of cultural and geographic backgrounds will go head-to-head in their respective sports, including soccer, basketball, baseball and wrestling.

Three traditional Indigenous sports will be on display as well, as spectators will be treated to 3D archery, box lacrosse and canoe/kayaking competitions.

“Indigenous people have been playing games since Creation. Whether it’s stickball, games of endurance, games of chance or ceremonial games, there has always been a strong link to the land, water, air and spiritual connection to the Creator,” the official NAIG site stated.

Venues that will serve as hosts to the week’s competitions include the Halifax Common, Lake Banook, Dalplex, Point Pleasant Park and the Canada Games Centre.