What are the North American Indigenous Games (NAIG)?

The North American Indigenous Games (NAIG) is the largest multi-sport and cultural event hosted in Canada and the United States specifically targeted for Indigenous/Native American populations.

In Canada it is a fundamental component of the Indigenous sport movement as it has effected positive change in the health and well being of Indigenous peoples. The NAIG Council is the International Governing Body for the North American Indigenous Games. It ensures the purposes and philosophies are reflected in all aspects of the Games. The NAIG Council works in a manner which is consistent with the cultural, spiritual and traditional values of the people it represents.

The MASRC manages and administers Team Manitoba for these Games.

NAIG Council

The NAIG Council is the International Governing Body for the NAIG. It exercises exclusive jurisdiction, either directly or through its affiliate members or committees, over all matters pertaining to the North American Indigenous Games. It ensures the purposes and philosophies are reflected in all aspects of the Games. The Council is the principal authority for policy development, rules and regulations for the Games. In its role, the NAIG Council supervises the overall development and implementation of the Games, including the selection of host communities through a bid process. The NAIG Council enters into a formal Hosting Agreement with the host community, which stipulates the terms under which the Games are awarded.

NAIG Council works in a manner, which is consistent with the cultural, spiritual and traditional values of the people it represents. In their activities they promote and encourage holistic individual development that focuses on the mental, physical, emotional and spiritual growth of participants.

Structure and Composition

North America has been divided into twenty-six regions for the purpose of representation on the NAIG Council. The Council consists 13 representatives from Canada and 13 representatives from the U.S.A. Canada is represented by the recognized Provincial/Territorial Aboriginal sport bodies that have a grassroots mandate to represent the interests of the First Nation, Inuit, and Metis people in their region. The USA has 13 state regions are represented on the Council.