The 2008 NAIG to be held in Cowichan B.C.

Athletes from 13 Canadian provinces and territories ­ and as many as 20 United States teams ­ are peaking in their training for the Aug. 3 to 10 North American Indigenous Games, to be held in B.C.'s Cowichan Valley on Vancouver Island.
Coaches say young athletes are hard at work preparing their minds and bodies for exemplary showings in 16 contemporary and traditional sporting events, such as archery, badminton, lacrosse, softball, swimming, volleyball and wrestling.
On the organizing side of the fence, Cowichan Tribes hosting the games are transforming the Cowichan Community Centre into an Athletes' Centre, a concept revolutionizing the way the Games provide for participants' care, with the comfort of these athletes in mind. The main goal is to provide athletes with a "home away from home" complete with Elders and other role models available to offer advice and support when needed, in addition top notch food services, sport information and results, as well as a games room and movie theatre will be made available.
The Games' centerpiece is the Cultural Village, hosted by the world-renowned Quw'utsun' Cultural Centre, owned and operated by the Cowichan Tribes. Highlights of the village include an international main stage, marketplace for games' memorabilia, artist market and cultural celebrations like the much-anticipated "Tribal Journeys Canoe Voyage."
The arrival of as many as 80 traditional ocean-going canoes, from a variety of canoe cultures and nations, will mark the beginning of the games.
Paddlers will make the two-week journey ­ from as far north as the Alaskan border (Tlinget) and the Queen Charlotte Islands (Haida) and as far south as Oregon State ­ to Cowichan Bay.
A traditional welcome will greet the canoeists at the opening ceremonies, expected to draw over 20,000 participants and spectators. As well, a unique art project will culminate at the opening ceremony field.
To commemorate the rich history of British Columbia's Aboriginal peoples and share the story of the international multi-sport games, a Coast Salish artist will transform a 20' western red cedar log into a traditional story pole.
The pole will travel throughout the province, offering the citizens of British Columbia an opportunity to participate and try their hand at carving.
Tribal Journeys 2008 will escort the pole for the final leg of its journey, arriving in Cowichan Bay on Aug. 1, 2008.
The pole will be carried with honour through the crowds to be raised and unveiled, marking the official opening of the Games.
A formal announcement of the next host community will be made at the closing ceremonies.
The games reflect the traditions of Indigenous cultures using athletic competition to teach holistic principles leading to physical, mental and spiritual wellness ­ while reinforcing family and cultural values.