Capital-hosted Games to highlight ‘long, rich history’ of Indigenous sport
The second edition of the Masters Indigenous Games – an international sports competition for indigenous athletes – comes to Canada’s capital this summer.
The tournament, taking place August 24-27 in the Algonquin Territory, will showcase contestants’ talents in six different sports, including traditional Indigenous activities like lacrosse and canoeing, as well as modern games like volleyball and golf.
The Games were established by Toronto-based Indigenous Sport & Wellness Ontario for athletes aged 20+, with the first MIG being held in Toronto in 2018. This event was attended by 600 athletes from six countries.
Funded primarily by the Ontario government, ISWO promotes competitive and recreational sports among First Nation, Métis and Inuit communities. In its mission statement, the organization says: “Sport has the power to transform lives, improve well-being, enhance culture and provide opportunities for personal growth and community development.”
“I’ve always wanted the cultural experience of being with other Indigenous athletes and having that sense of community.”
— James Lavallée, athletics competitor of Métis, Masters Indigenous Games
Abby Shirazi, general manager and director of marketing and communications for the games, said it was important to support the concept of lifelong physical activity and well-being within the indigenous community.
Additionally, the Games will be an educational opportunity for the Ottawa-Gatineau community to celebrate Indigenous culture.
“We want to show others what a long and rich history there is with tribal peoples,” says Shirazi.
One way the Games will achieve this is through the three day cultural festival taking place at Lansdowne Park. The festival features performances by indigenous dancers, singers and artists, and gives visitors the chance to take part in traditional games and workshops.
Traditional sports demonstrations are held where visitors can learn more about each sport and its history. A “Vendors Village” will offer indigenous handicrafts, jewelery and food products.
The cultural festival will be open to the public and will offer a family-friendly experience aimed at raising awareness and understanding of indigenous peoples.
The Rideau Canoe Club in Mooney’s Bay will host canoeing and kayaking events during the Games, which Fiona Smith Bradley, the club’s commodore, said she was looking forward to.
“It is an honor to have the opportunity to welcome indigenous people to our canoe club,” said Bradley. “We look forward to having a new connection with the indigenous community and incorporating more of the history of canoeing into our youth programs.”
Canoe Kids Summer Camp, a day camp at the club for kids ages 7 to 12, will include more lessons in the history of the sport and allow children to create welcome decorations for athletes competing in the MIG.
Bradley also notes that at the games along Mooney’s Bay, spectators will have a great vantage point to see the races on the water in their entirety, not just the start or finish.
“Sport has the power to transform lives, enhance well-being, enhance culture and provide opportunities for personal growth and community development.”
— Indigenous Sports & Wellness Ontario
The MIG offers Indigenous athletes the opportunity to compete in a sport they love with people they can relate to.
James and Denis Lavallée, a father and son duo from Manitoba, will attend the games together. James, 25, will compete in athletics and his father Denis, 66, will compete in the golf tournament.
The two look forward to cheering each other on at MIG and hope to meet new people who share their Métis identity. “I’ve always wanted the cultural experience of being with other Indigenous athletes and having that sense of community,” James said.
Denis said he grew up without a strong attachment to his Métis background, noting that it was not a key aspect of his identity. But he said he hopes to use the games as a platform to learn more about himself and the Métis community.
James said he was pleased that MIG was welcoming athletes in their 20s and older, citing the lack of organized sport for adults.
“When people turn 18, the fun stops.”
“Exercise is a great way to break down cultural barriers,” said James. “These games also transcend age limits.”
James said he hoped non-Indigenous people would come to see MIG and realize that at any age they can continue to play a sport they love.
The MIG should take place every two years, the next games are scheduled for 2025. The Lavallée family plans to make attending the games a family tradition, something James said he hopes his mum and sister will attend as well.
Indigenous descent is required to register for the games and will be open through May 31st. Athletes can register as a team or as individuals and are welcome to register for more than one sport if they wish.
The public is encouraged to see and support Indigenous athletes at the various venues in Ottawa. Along with the paddling sports at the RCC, cross country and track and field events are held at the Terry Fox Athletics Facility in Mooney’s Bay; Basketball and volleyball take place at the University of Ottawa; the golf event takes place at the Canadian Golf & Country Club; Lacrosse is played at the Nepean Sportsplex.
The Games opening gala will be held at the Canadian Museum of History in Gatineau and the closing ceremony at Lansdowne Park.
Shirazi said she looks forward to an event focusing only on tribal peoples taking shape.
“It’s important to recognize tribal peoples, not just in Canada but around the world.”