Thousands of athletes arrive in Halifax for North American Indigenous Games

Thousands of athletes hailing from 756 different nations landed in Halifax this weekend in preparation for the North American Indigenous Games.

Thousands of the continent’s most talented Indigenous athletes arrived in Halifax this weekend in anticipation of the North American Indigenous Games (NAIG).

The 10th edition of the event, which runs until July 23, features more than 5,000 athletes hailing from 756 different nations. With cultural events and an opening ceremony providing the weekend’s sole entertainment, the Games’ competitive element kicks off on Monday as the initial sporting events take place.

Dozens of practices were held throughout the city on Sunday, as players, coaches, and staff geared up for a lengthy week of competition.

Jaidin Knighton, an athlete representing team BC, said although she’s excited to play basketball, she’s hoping to get a few things settled first.

“For right now … it’s jet lag and trying to get situated in our dorms,” she laughed, as she added that she’s looking forward to participating in Sunday’s opening ceremony before her team’s first match against Wisconsin on Monday.

Rachael Sam, Knighton’s teammate, was still processing the magnitude of the moment when she arrived at the court for Sunday’s practice.

“I’m still kind of in shock honestly,” she said.

In 1990, the first North American Indigenous Games took place in Edmonton, where about 3,000 athletes and performers from First Nations throughout Canada and the U.S. travelled to participate.