‘Great to see everyone come together’
Week-long competition showcased 5,000 athletes, celebrated a rich culture
After seven days of rigorous competition, teamwork and celebrating Indigenous culture, the North American Indigenous Games have come to a close.
More than 5,000 athletes showcased their talents in the past week, providing a spectacle in locations across the GTA.
“The games went so well and it was great to see everyone come together and have such a great time,” said Alex Laliberte, a rifle shooting and basketball coach for team Ontario.
“All the teams showed good sportsmanship, which is a huge reason that the games were so successful.”
“I was so pumped to come back to NAIG because I had such an amazing experience in 2014,” said Landon Sasakamoose, a sprinter for Team Saskatchewan who competed at the games in Regina three years ago.
“Once I heard I made team Saskatchewan again I was like, ‘Oh man, I’m in for a ride.’ And I was so pumped coming here, this is my first time in Toronto.
“I like it. A lot of new people, good competition, there wasn’t that much competition in Regina but now it’s just perfect.”
Even for those who could not compete, the games were a thrill.
“Just being here, the presence, the hype that everybody’s giving off, it’s so much fun,” said Aliyah Lavelle, a Team Saskatchewan athlete who fractured her wrist, making her un- able to compete in her events: shot put, javelin and discus.
This year’s games introduced women’s lacrosse for the first time in its history. Team Ontario’s 19U women reached the finals of the inaugural tournament, falling 4-3 to Eastern Door & the North on Friday.
Team Ontario was third in the medal race, receiving 133 medals, finishing behind Saskatchewan and Brit- ish Columbia, which placed first with 171 medals, 62 of them gold.
But sport was only a part of the spectacle of the games. Attendees were entertained throughout the week by Indigenous performers such as Tanya Tagaq, Midnight Shine, Crystal Shawanda and Cris Derksen.
The games also emphasized a commitment to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, with its Team 88 logo ubiquitous on tournament gear and posters. Team 88 refers to the commission’s 88th Call to Action, “to ensure long-term Indigenous athlete development and growth.”
The closing ceremonies Saturday night, featured Indigenous leaders, honoured guests and government leaders, including Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne.