Alberta Indigenous Games

Games, culture mark Alberta Indigenous Games in St. Albert

Assembly of First Nations Regional Chief Cameron Alexis explains the protocol of carrying the Eagle Staff to the runners before they left on their 13 km run from the site of the last Alberta Indigenous Games in Edmonton to Poundmaker Lodge, in St. Albert.

Trini Minde started carrying the Eagle Staff. Also taking turns were Daniel Ostrosser and Damien Ward. Protocol allows only males to carry the Eagle Staff. It took the young runners, 12 boys and girls trading off, about two hours to cover the distance to the opening ceremony on Aug. 4.

Brothers Keanu Paskemin, 16, (left) and Tristen, 12, of Wetaskiwin practised in the archery event. It was the first either boy had tried archery. Other Indigenous sporting events included canoeing, kayaking, and lacrosse.

Wilton Littlechild, who organized the first Alberta Indigenous Games in 1971, says the event is the perfect mixture of sports and culture. It includes teaching of traditional games and an Elder village.

Thundering Spirit drum group and singers performed an honour song at the closing ceremonies on Aug. 8, at Poundmaker Lodge.

Young athletes killed time between events hitting the volleyball around. Volleyball, basketball, ball hockey, golf, and track and field were the other events.  The majority of events took place in St. Albert, but Leduc hosted canoe and kayak and golf was held at the Enoch First Nation.

Adrianna Riley-Sinclair,10, (left) and Maddie Noon,10, hang out at one of the tipis. The girls competed in track and field events.

(From left) Shayla Wilson, 15, Morgan Murphy, 16, and Scarlett Ward, 14, won silver in girls-three and girls-two canoe and kayak. The girls, all from different communities, became fast friends during the event.

(From left) Cleveland Littlechild, 14, Ethan Yellowbird, 14, and Keeshon Littlechild,13, all from Maskwacis, took home medals in a variety of events including archery, canoe, ball hockey and golf.