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.

Click on each image below to enlarge.