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The Games coming to Calgary in July 2027 is seen as a return to the event’s roots because its origins more than three decades ago were in Alberta, said Tourism Calgary CEO Cindy Ady
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More than 8,000 teen athletes and volunteers will descend on the Calgary area in 2027 when the city hosts the North American Indigenous Games.
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After almost a decade of lobbying by Tourism Calgary and partner the Tsuut’ina Nation, the city was awarded the continent’s largest Indigenous sporting and cultural event, whose latest edition wraps up this weekend in Halifax.
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The event showcasing athletes from 756 First Nations across the continent, competition in 16 sports and a cultural extravaganza will add another layer of interaction between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadians at a time of reconciliation, said Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek.
“We are committed to an inclusive, weeklong celebration of sport and culture, which will have a lasting impact on Indigenous athletes and Calgarians,” the mayor, who is in Halifax for the Games, said in a statement.
Tsuut’ina Nation Chief Roy Whitney said hosting First Nations compatriots from across North America is a special privilege and one his visitors will cherish.
“We are absolutely thrilled to be a partner . . . we look forward to hosting Indigenous athletes and families on our beautiful lands at the foothills of the Rockies,” Whitney said in a statement.
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“We are confident that visitors will have an unforgettable experience, with elite competition and cultural activities throughout the Games.”
Said Games council president Shannon Dunfield: “We have every confidence that Calgary, its surrounding Nations, communities and organizations will host a tremendous Games.”
First time Games will be in Alberta since inaugural event
Its presence in Calgary in July 2027 is seen as a return to the event’s roots because its origins more than three decades ago were in Alberta, said Tourism Calgary CEO Cindy Ady.
“The last time they were in Alberta was in Edmonton, which were the inaugural Games, so it’s been a long time since it’s been here,” she said just hours before the Games’ flag was to be handed to a Calgary-area athlete at the closing ceremonies in Halifax. The ceremony were cancelled due to inclement weather.
Ady, who’s also been in Halifax to take in the Games, said she’s been blown away by the event’s cultural richness and athletic prowess.
“These kids are so proud to be representing their Nations and they’re great athletes,” she said.
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“It’s as much a cultural event as it is a sporting event . . . it really is beautiful.”
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The opening ceremonies in Calgary will be held at the Stampede Grandstand, with competitions and athlete accommodation at the University of Calgary, Mount Royal University and SAIT.
The Tsuut’ina Nation on the city’s western edge will also be the site of competition for a Games that occurs every four years.
“But these Games go beyond the Tsuut’ina, it’s for all of Treaty 7 (Nations),” said Ady.
Tourism Calgary anticipates $40 million in economic return
Calgary’s bid edged out Kamloops, B.C., with Ady saying that decision was tipped by “our excellent facilities combined with the genuine partnership of the Indigenous and non-Indigenous organizations who believed in bringing these Games to Calgary.”
The seven-day Games, with a price tag between $15 million and $20 million, will generate about $40 million in economic return for the Calgary area, said Tourism Calgary.
There’s a chance for its Calgary hosts to expand the Games beyond the 5,000-plus participants, said Ady.
Calgary will also host the Special Olympics Canada Winter Games in February 2024, which will bring more than 4,000 athletes, coaches and mission staff to the city. WinSport will be the host venue.
BKaufmann@postmedia.com
Twitter: @BillKaufmannjrn
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