Cowichan 2008 North American Indigenous Games

Upcoming Dates: Sunday, August 3 - Sunday, August 10, 2008

In the 1970s, a number of visionaries began to explore the idea of promoting Indigenous cultures and supporting Indigenous youth through sport. Leaders of various communities helped the concept evolve and eventually a plan for a large-scale, multi-sport North American Indigenous Games emerged. Vision was becoming reality.

The first-ever North American Indigenous Games were held in Edmonton, Alberta, in 1990, with approximately 3,000 participants. In less than two decades, the number of sport and cultural participants has tripled, to over 9,000.

By encouraging Indigenous youth to participate in athletic competition, these Games have become a vehicle for promoting healthier lifestyles and strengthened relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples of North America.

All the regions of North America will be represented, with 13 provincial and territorial teams from across Canada and as many as 20 teams from the U.S. participating. There will be 16 contemporary and traditional sporting events offered over 10 days. These Games reflect the traditions of Indigenous cultures using athletic competition to teach holistic principles integral to sport - physical, spiritual, and mental (emotional/intellectual)- while reinforcing family and cultural values.

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