On Sunday, July 16, the opening ceremony at the 2023 North American Indigenous Games (NAIG) in Halifax, signalled the beginning of this year's games. Held every four years, the North American Indigenous Games are the largest gathering of Indigenous youth in North America.

"Over the next week, we can’t wait to show the participants of these 756 Nations the warm and welcoming nature of the Mi’kmaq Nation," said Fiona Kirkpatrick Parson, Chair, 2023 North American Indigenous Games

Over 4,800 athletes, managers, coaches and mission staff, across 16 different sports, are ready to compete and participate in the largest multi-sport and culture event hosted in the history of Atlantic Canada. And out of those 4,800 athletes, there are quite a few Airdrie and area locals who are representing Team Alberta in various disciplines. 

  • The Box Lacrosse 16U Male team will have among its teammates, 14-year-old Airdronian Nolan Sharp. Sharp was quoted as saying that he not only wants to win but also learn more about Indigenous culture. He has played for the Rockyview Rage lacrosse team. 
  • The Box Lacrosse 19U Male team includes 18-year-old Olds resident Treyton Mirus. He said his goals are to, 'inspire other youth in the Lacrosse Sport'. Mirus participated in the Alberta Indigenous Games 2022 and lists that his team was the champion in previous tournaments.  
  • The Basketball 16U Female team will include 15-year-old Airdrie resident Cassie Cadieux as well as her fellow Airdronian 
    Anna Natasha Mercier. Mercier was quoted as saying that her hopes for this year's NAIG games are to, 'Represent Alberta and lead by example in leadership and sportsmanship. Meet new people and play some challenging basketball games.' But there is yet another Airdrie teen on the team, 15-year-old
    Mya Regier.
  • The Badminton Doubles 19U Mix will include 17-year-old Airdronian Elise Vincent. Vincent is also representing Team Alberta in the 
    Badminton Doubles 19U Female discipline.
  • The Soccer 19U Male team includes 17-year-old Nathanial Brian Cadieux from Airdrie. Cadieux said that he has played soccer for well over a decade.
  • The Volleyball 16U Female team includes Crossfield resident Madison Nash who is 16. Her Crossfield teammate, 
    Hayden Gervais, 15, is joining her. 
  • The Softball 19U Female team will include 17-year-old Airdrie resident Jessie Schmidt. Her goal is to, 'Help team Alberta get to Gold'.

According to the Minister of Sport and Minister responsible for the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, Pascale St-Onge, The North American Indigenous Games embody all the best qualities of sport as they bring us together to promote inclusion and respect.

"Sport is an incredible tool for engagement and empowerment and teaches young athletes skills that will enrich their everyday lives. Our government is thrilled to support these Indigenous-led games, which celebrate the diversity of Indigenous cultures, their identity and pride, as we continue our collective journey towards reconciliation.”

The Games are hosted across the Halifax Regional Municipality, Millbrook First Nation and Sipekne’katik First Nation, with over 4,800 participants. The Closing Ceremony will take place on Friday, July 21 at the Halifax Common.

Send your news tips, story ideas, pictures, and videos to news@discoverairdrie.com