More than games for youth

Organizers of the 2006 North American Indigenous Games are planning to host 10,000 Aboriginal athletes from Canada and the United States who will compete in Denver, Colorado from July 2 to 9. Events will include rifle shooting, basketball, archery, Tae Kwon Do, boxing, canoeing, swimming, soccer, badminton, baseball, volleyball, golf, softball, athletics, wrestling and field lacrosse.

Not only will the games be a celebration of sport, but it will also provide the opportunity to celebrate Aboriginal culture. Opening and closing ceremonies, a parade of athletes, a cultural village, a mini film festival and a powwow will contribute to the cultural aspect of the games.
"For those people who don't have family or friends competing in the games, they can attend the opening ceremonies and they can also take part in the cultural village," said Eddie Sherman, special projects manager for the Colorado Indigenous Games Society.

Spectators will have to purchase tickets to attend the opening ceremonies. The fee for adults is $12, and $6 for youth. For youngsters five and under the event is free.

The cultural village will feature a Native comedy night, performances of Native musicans, cultural demonstrations, pin and gear trading, traditional Indigenous game showcases, arts and craft and food vendors.

Sherman said he expects the cultural village to be open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. He said the village is designed to strengthen the cultural identity of the games.

"It's really going to be a great celebration," said Sherman. "It's an exercise of capacity building and exercise of unity and it's just really an opportunity for all of us to come together."

The cultural village will be located in the heart of downtown Denver at the Denver Performing Arts Complex. Although the cultural village participants have not been finalized, Sherman said they "will represent the Indigenous diversity that represents our culture."

"It's designed to strengthen and foster respect and understanding within the greater community," he said. "It's a collective representation of the diversity of Indigenous cultures throughout North America. We not only want to represent the southwest, but we also wanted to make sure that people understand Indigenous cultures from the northwest, northeast aren't that different from one another. They do have their own values, traditions, languages and dances."

Most importantly, Sherman said that they are trying to foster the cultural identity of the youth and "we want them to understand that there's a whole different world out there of various Indigenous cultures."

Look for a finalized list of cultural village performers and events on the games Web site at www.naig2006.com.