The Yukon government wishes all the members of Team Yukon good luck as they begin travelling to the North American Indigenous Games (NAIG) in Kjipuktuk (Halifax), Dartmouth, Millbrook First Nation and Sipekne'katik in Nova Scotia. The Games will take place for the 10th time on July 15 to 23, 2023.
Team Yukon is composed of more than 130 athletes, cultural performers, coaches and support staff who represent eight different Yukon communities. Yukon athletes will compete in 11 of 16 sports, including 3D archery and canoe/kayak.
Leading Team Yukon into the opening ceremony as the official flag bearer will be swimmer Kassua Dreyer of the Ross River Dena Council. At the 2017 North American Indigenous Games in Toronto, Dreyer earned six medals in the pool. Currently, Dreyer trains and competes with the University of Calgary Dinos.
I look forward to following Team Yukon as they represent the territory and their communities at the North American Indigenous Games this month. These athletes are the territory’s future leaders and our government is proud to support them as they strive to achieve their goals and reach for their dreams and beyond. Best of luck to everyone competing and have fun!
Minister of Community Services Richard Mostyn
I know seeing the dedicated athletes from Team Yukon participate in the North American Indigenous Games in the Halifax area will be a highlight of my summer. These games not only celebrate the spirit of sport, but they also offer a wonderful opportunity for our athletes to experience the many different Indigenous cultures across North America. I wish Team Yukon good luck and hope all participants collect memories to last a lifetime.
Deputy Premier and Minister of Education Jeanie McLean
We are very pleased to be bringing youth to the North American Indigenous Games after a considerable gap since the last Games. These Games are a unique opportunity for our youth as they unite with participants from across Turtle Island for intense competition, but also to celebrate Indigenous cultures, develop lasting friendships and instill pride in Indigenous heritage.
Chef de Mission Gael Marchand
Team Yukon’s participation at NAIG is led by the Yukon Aboriginal Sport Circle and supported by the Government of Yukon.
The North American Indigenous Games 2023 will bring together more than 5,000 athletes, coaches and team staff from 756+ Indigenous Nations from across Turtle Island (North America) to celebrate, share and reconnect through sport and culture with the help of 3,000 volunteers.
NAIG 2023 will take place on the unceded and traditional homeland of the Mi’kmaq People.
The dream to hold Games for Indigenous Peoples began in the 1970s. In 1971, the Native Summer Games were held in Enoch, Alberta. The First North American Indigenous Games were held in 1990 in Edmonton.
Renée Francoeur
Cabinet Communications
867-334-9194
renee.francoeur@yukon.ca
John Tonin
Communications, Community Services
867-334-5816
john.tonin@yukon.ca