Team Nunavut heads to North American Indigenous Games

More than 70 of Nunavut’s top athletes, coaches and cultural performers are gearing up to take part in the 2014 North American Indigenous Games this summer.

The games, which host indigenous youth from across Canada and the United States, will be held in Regina this year from July 20 to July 26.

This is Nunavut’s fourth year of participation in the indigenous games.

Team Nunavut athletes will compete in badminton, volleyball and basketball events, while Baker Lake’s Shauna Seeteenak and Nicole Hachey will represent the territory as cultural performers.

“I want to thank the territorial sport organizations, especially the coaches and volunteers who devote countless hours to provide youth with the opportunity to participate in sport,” said Tom Sammurtok, Nunavut’s minister of Community and Government Services. “I wish our Team Nunavut athletes the best of luck as they head to the 2014 North American Indigenous Games.”

Established in 1990, the NAIG is the largest multi-sport competition for young indigenous athletes, representing 23 regions throughout Canada and the U.S.

In 2014, about 4,500 athletes will compete in 13 different sporting events.

Team Nunavut has previously competed at games in Winnipeg (2003), Denver (2006), and Cowichan, B. C. (2008).

You can follow Team Nunavut at the games through their Facebook page.