"The North American Indigenous Games (NAIG) play an important role in the development of young Indigenous athletes, coaches and artists by providing them with valuable training, competition and artistic experiences," said the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Heritage.
The 2020 NAIG Games were cancelled due to the pandemic and the new games were just confirmed this week for July 2023 in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Therefore, we are eager to offer an opportunity to gather swimmers and coaches who have an interest in participating in the NAIG Games, to connect and stay active.
Swim Saskatchewan is pleased to offer "Meet and Swim" Sessions in 2021-2022 in communities for swimmers and coaches interested in learning more about NAIG!
These 'meet and swim' sessions are NOT team selection events. These sessions are intended to gather interested swimmers and coaches together to meet and swim with a common interest. Team Selection criteria is not available. It will be posted and circulated once available.
The communities and dates for the 'meet and swim' sessions will be held on lands covered by Treaties 4 and 6, homeland of the Metis.
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Community
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Dates
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Time
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Prince Albert**
(Kinsmen Outdoor Water Park)
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August 21, 2023
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930-1pm
Public swim follows and you can attend after the session. You will have to pay entrance fee.
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Saskatoon
(Shaw Centre)
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October 2, 2022
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Complete
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Moose Jaw
(Kinsmen Pool)
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October 3, 2022
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Complete
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Tisdale
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August 14, 2022
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Complete
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Oxbow
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August 15, 2022
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Cancelled
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** this is the first of the ID sessions for possible selection. It is not required to attend but we encourage eligible athletes to attend. Mileage assistance will be paid and carpooling is requested.
There is no cost to attend these sessions. However, all swimmers and coaches must be registered with an age group or summer club. If you are not currently registered, you will be required to purchase limited event registration to attend (cost is $20). You will declare this below.
We are monitoring the COVID-19 situation and will be emailing details on our expectations and facility guidelines for the camp to each participant following sign up deadline.
Minimum of 10 swimmers are required to run this session.
Each session will include a swim training session with Head Coach Emma Hancock, dryland and conversation about NAIG. You can attend as many sessions as you like.
Age eligibilty for the 2023 NAIG Games are:
19u - 2004 and later
16u - 2007 and later
14u - 2009 and later
The spirit of NAIG is focused on providing opportunities to improve the lives of all who participate by supporting and creating a space to celebrate, share, educate and be proud of our athletes and all 700+ Nations from across Turtle Island.
More than 5000 athletes, coaches and team staff from 756 Indigenous nations will take part in the cultural celebrations, and compete in 16 sports across 21 venues in Kjipuktuk (Halifax( and Millbrook First Nation, Nova Scotia July 15 to 23, 2023.