The Games are Back: Aboriginal Sport Circle Celebrates Return of North American Indigenous Games in 2028

October 8, 2026

OTTAWA, October 8, 2026 - The Aboriginal Sport Circle (ASC) celebrates today's announcement confirming the conditional return of the North American Indigenous Games (NAIG) in 2028.

For Indigenous athletes, coaches, families and communities across Turtle Island, the announcement means much more than a date on the sport calendar. It means young people can once again look ahead to one of the most significant Indigenous sport and cultural gatherings in North America, and know there is a stage waiting for them.

"The Games are back, and that means so much to Indigenous sport," said Jaclyn Guenette, Executive Director, Aboriginal Sport Circle. "I have experienced NAIG firsthand, including as Chef de Mission for Team Alberta, and I have seen what happens when thousands of Indigenous young people come together in one place. They compete at an incredibly high level, but they also see their cultures, communities and identifies reflected all around them. There is nothing else quite like it."

After the previously planned 2027 Games were deferred, today's announcement of the conditional award of NAIG 2028 to Norway House Cree Nation (NHCN) and the Southern Chiefs' Organization (SCO), with events to be hosted in Winnipeg and Manitoba, provides a renewed destination for young athletes and for the Indigenous sport organizations, coaches, families and communities supporting them.

Across Canada, ASC's 13 Provincial and Territorial Aboriginal Sport Body members play a critical role in building the pathways that bring athletes to NAIG. The impact begins long before the opening ceremony: athletes set goals, coaches and officials develop their skills, teams take shape and communities rally around their athletes.

"The return of NAIG gives young people something extraordinary to work toward," said Guenette. "It also gives all of us an opportunity to build on that momentum and strengthen the Indigenous sport system that makes experiences like NAIG possible."

ASC recognizes the determination and work of the NAIG Council, its members, the host communities of Norway House Cree Nation and the Southern Chiefs' Organization and everyone involved in finding a path forward for the Games.

ASC looks forward working alongside its members, the NAIG Council, the host communities and partners across the Indigenous sprot system on the road to 2028.

About the Aboriginal Sport Circle
The Aboriginal Sport Circle (ASC) is Canada's national voice for Indigenous sport, physical activity and recreation. Working with First Nations, Inuit and Métis partners across the country, ASC advances equitable opportunities for Indigenous peoples to participate, compete and lead through sport. Guided by its provincial and territorial member organizations, ASC supports athlete and coach development, community wellness and national advocacy to strengthen Indigenous sport systems and communities. As steward of the National Strategy for Indigenous Peoples' Participation in Sport, Physical Activity and Recreation in Canada, ASC is the franchise holder for the North American Indigenous Games (NAIG) and leads the National Aboriginal Hockey Championships (NAHC). www.aboriginalsportcircle.ca

 

Contact:
Julie Hawrishok, Communications Manager, Aboriginal Sport Circle
613-451-2785
jhawrishok@aboriginalsportcircle.ca

 

---

View More