Saskatchewan bids for 2014 NAIG

Saskatchewan is known for hosting world class sporting events and for all its sports enthusiasts. (Go Rider’s!)
And of course, Saskatchewan’s community is famous for their volunteer spirit—the people who make such events possible.

That’s why the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations (FSIN), in partnership with the City of Regina, is bidding to host the 2014 North American Indigenous Games (NAIG)

The NAIG evaluation committee toured a variety of venues in the city during the second week of March. They checked out several sporting facilities including golf courses, sports parks and high school athletic fields.
The committee members made a stop at the First Nations University of Canada where they were greeted by interim President Dr. Shauneen Pete and FSIN Vice-Chief Lyle Whitefish.

Chief Whitefish said the games would be a great opportunity for Saskatchewan youth.

“The North American Indigenous Games is a tremendous sporting event that provides an opportunity for Indigenous youth to compete and develop not only their athletic skills, but to generate long-lasting friendships,” said Chief Whitefish.

Courage Bear is the director of Sport, Culture, Youth and Recreation for the FSIN.

This is his third time being involved in the bidding process and he said the Indigenous Games would be a chance for Saskatchewan to showcase the talents of their athletes and culture of the people.

“I think we’re pretty confident. We have strong venues and the city is on board. We have a great history of hosting major events and hosting multi-sport events in First Nations communities. And there’s a huge volunteer base.  Everybody knows how well Saskatchewan gets up to volunteer for events,” said Bear.

The process of awarding the games has changed, he said, there is a more detailed process that outlines the expectations at each stage.

“It’s an exciting opportunity,” Bear added.

The games would benefit the city and the province in economic spinoffs. Teams from all over North America will be bringing, coaches, trainers and supporters.

The Indigenous games could bring up to 10,000 athletes, coaches, fans and families to the host city.

“When the games were held in Cowichan, British Columbia in 2008, the community of Duncan benefited from a 35 million dollar economic impact,” said Whitefish.
Regina is competing for the games with Halifax, Nova Scotia and London, Ontario.

The successful bid will be announced in May.
The last time Saskatchewan hosted the Indigenous games was in 1993 in the city of Prince Albert.