Toronto (Feb. 10, 2016) – The Toronto 2017 NAIG Host Society is pleased to officially announce in partnership with the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport the date and location for the 2017 North American Indigenous Games (NAIG). The NAIG will be held from July 16th – 23rd in various venues around the City of Toronto that were previously used in the 2015 Pan / Para Pan Am Games.
Hon. Michael Couteau, Minister of Tourism Culture and Sport as well as Hon. David Zimmer, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs will be on hand Saturday 10:30am at the Aboriginal Education Centre (90 Croatia St. Toronto) to help formally announce the 2017 NAIG which is expected to provide approximately $30 million economic boost to the Toronto community.
The NAIG will feature young Aboriginal athletes from all across North America who will compete against athletes from different Provinces, Territories and Nations. The games are a culmination of ongoing programming provided by ASWCO to help prepare athletes for the 2017 NAIG.
ASWCO has unveiled new initiatives such as multi-sport camps, youth symposiums, First Nations’ Youth tournaments and the return of the Ontario Aboriginal Summer Games later this year. This new programming has made it possible for Ontario to host the 2017 NAIG, for the first time in the event’s 25 year history.
“On behalf of the Aboriginal Sport & Wellness Council of Ontario, with the generous support of the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport we are grateful and proud to host the 2017 North American Indigenous Games in Toronto. The youth of Turtle Island will be provided the opportunity to come together for competition, friendship and sharing of our Indigenous cultures in a world class city with world class facilities. said Marc Laliberte, President of ASWCO. ” This event provides hope and helps instills pride in our culture for our future leaders, to be Strong, Brave and True. It’s important to mention that support for the hosting of the NAIG specifically answers a call to action item; recommended in the Truth and Reconciliation report. The board, staff and supporters of ASWCO have worked and will continue to work very hard to have a NAIG to remember.”
For more info on the 2017 Toronto NAIG, please contact: rob.lackie@naig2017.to or call 905-361-6459.
2017 North American Indigenous Games (NAIG) Website:
www.naig2017.to
