The World Indigenous Games is a one-of-a-kind global sporting and cultural event that celebrates the rich heritage of indigenous communities across the world. Held every few years, these Games bring together over 2,000 indigenous athletes to compete in various traditional aboriginal games and contemporary sports. But more than just an athletic competition, the event highlights indigenous culture through music, dance, ceremonies, and art.
This transformation is not just about entertainment; it’s a revival. Online platforms can play a crucial role in keeping these ancient games alive, making them accessible to new generations and different cultural backgrounds. To understand how online gambling can contribute to the revival of indigenous games, it’s important to explore the potential for these platforms to celebrate and sustain the rich tapestry of indigenous culture.
The Games provide a platform to promote reconciliation while addressing stereotypes and issues faced by indigenous groups.
About the World Indigenous Games
- The inaugural 2015 Games in Brazil saw participation of over 2,000 athletes and cultural delegates
- The World Indigenous Games 2017 in Canada welcomed 1,600 competitors from 29 countries entertained over 20,000 spectators
The World Indigenous Games, also called the Indigenous Olympics, is a multisport event open to indigenous athletes globally. The first edition was held in 2015 in Palmas, Brazil and the second took place in 2017 in Alberta, Canada. The Games aim to improve quality of life for indigenous peoples by supporting sports and cultural activities that respect their distinctiveness. Over 30 countries from the Americas, Asia Pacific and Africa have participated so far.
Format and Purpose
Structured similar to the Olympics, the World Indigenous Games blends Western-style competitions like soccer and wrestling with uniquely indigenous sports such as tree trunk racing and spear throwing. There is also emphasis on non-competitive cultural demonstrations through music, dance and forums. The approach is highly inclusive – Syrian refugees formed a soccer team at the 2017 Canada Games. The event promotes cross-cultural dialogue while tackling issues like lack of resources for indigenous youth.
History and Cultural Significance
First proposed in 1977 by Wilton Littlechild, an accomplished indigenous athlete, the concept faced many roadblocks until coming to fruition in 2015. The Games evolved from the Brazilian Indigenous Peoples Games held since 1996. Body painting replaces sportswear as a mark of cultural pride and identity. Athletes adorn tribe symbols relating to family ties and land. Intricate rituals embrace the spiritual ethos tying games to myths involving cultural heroes and the natural world.
Events and Competitions
The Indigenous Games feature an exciting range of mainstream and traditional indigenous sports. Popular events include archery, football, wrestling, swimming and tug of war. Distinctive competitions incorporate customs like bow hunting fish in a pond as the target. The unique xikunahati played with only the head resembles soccer. Wild tree trunk racing relays involve carrying 100kg tree chunks on shoulders. Shooters decorate themselves in customary paints for archery competitions. Non-competitive activities like dances, fairs and forums celebrate heritage.
Indigenous Games in Canada
Traditional aboriginal games are an integral part of indigenous culture across Canada. Activities like lacrosse, canoe races and log throwing celebrate skill, endurance and community values. These traditional aboriginal and Canadian indigenous games have become major celebratory events.
The games blend western sports with uniquely indigenous competitions incorporating music, dance and crafts. They allow aboriginal athletes of all ages to compete in a culturally familiar, village atmosphere.
By participating in traditional games, indigenous Canadians foster pride in their identity while promoting awareness of native issues. The growth of these celebratory indigenous competitions highlights that traditional aboriginal sports remain an impactful way of uniting First Nations.
North American Indigenous Games (NAIG)
Quick Facts
- Held every 4 years since 1990
- 16 sporting events including traditional games
- 5,000+ indigenous participants
- 750+ Native Nations represented
- Incorporates cultural programs and village
- Athletes aged 13-19 years from Canada and US
The North American Indigenous Games (NAIG) started in 1990 as a large-scale sporting and cultural event celebrating indigenous culture across North America. NAIG is held every 4 years, patterned after the Olympics. Teams from Canadian provinces and territories and from American tribal communities take part.
The vision for NAIG took shape in the 1970s by indigenous leaders aiming to improve quality of life and support sports allowing native peoples to connect with their heritage. The inaugural NAIG was held in Edmonton, Alberta in 1990.
Format and Structure
NAIG features 16 sporting disciplines including popular games like basketball and soccer alongside indigenous competitions in canoeing, archery and lacrosse. The Games incorporate cultural programs showcasing heritage through music, dance and art.
- Archery (3D)
- Athletics
- Badminton
- Basketball
- Box Lacrosse
- Canoe/Kayak
- Golf
- Rifle Shooting
- Soccer
- Softball
- Swimming
- Volleyball
- Wrestling
They are open to indigenous athletes aged 13-19 years comprising junior and senior categories. NAIG adheres to an Olympic-style format with opening and closing ceremonies showcasing indigenous culture. Over 5,000 participants attend the event held every 4 years.
Previous Games
| Year | Host City | Number of Participants |
| 1990 | Edmonton, AB | 3,000 athletes |
| 1993 | Prince Albert, SK | 4,400 athletes |
| 1995 | Blaine, MN | 8,500 athletes |
| 1997 | Victoria, BC | 5,000 athletes |
| 2002 | Winnipeg, MB | 6,500 athletes |
| 2006 | Denver, CO | 8,000 athletes |
| 2008 | Cowichan, BC | 4,700 athletes |
| 2014 | Regina, SK | 5,000 athletes |
| 2017 | Toronto, ON | 4,800 athletes |
| 2023 | Halifax, NS | 5,000+ athletes |
The 2023 Halifax Games
The recent 10th edition of NAIG was held from July 15-23, 2023, in Halifax, Nova Scotia hosted by the Mi’kmaw communities. The games took place across 21 venues in Halifax, Dartmouth, Millbrook First Nation and Sipekne’katik. Over 5,000 indigenous athletes, coaches and staff representing 756 Nations from Canada and the US participated.
The 2023 event showcased Mi’kmaw culture through sport, music festivals, powwows, and a vibrant cultural village. Athletes competed in 16 sports open for public viewing. Custom Mi’kmaw-inspired medals were awarded in the disciplines.
Over 3,000 volunteers helped organize NAIG 2023, which provided an ideal platform for indigenous youth and communities to reconnect with their roots and celebrate their rich cultural heritage.
The next NAIG will be held in 2027 to carry forward the enduring legacy of indigenous culture and sport celebration across North America.
Role and Significance
NAIG provides a major platform for indigenous youth across North America to embrace their cultural roots through mainstream and native sports. The Games build self-confidence and leadership qualities among indigenous athletes addressing social challenges they face.
NAIG plays a pivotal role in promoting awareness of indigenous heritage and bringing together native communities. The 2017 Toronto Indigenous Games saw participation of 4,800 athletes from over 750 Nations.