Indigenous Games begin in Winnipeg

More than 6,000 native athletes from across Canada and the United States have been competing this week at the 2002 North American Indigenous Games in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

During last Sunday’s opening ceremony, the Nunavut team walked into the stadium accompanied by Premier Paul Okalik.

Nunavut’s team of seven wrestlers is the smallest regional contingent at the games.

The athletes were welcomed to the games in several First Nations and Métis languages, and in Inuktitut by Annie Manitok. Singer Susan Aglukark wound up the opening ceremonies’ performance with her song “He Na Ho,” which had everyone in the stadium on their feet.

The games celebrate — in the words of federal heritage minister Sheila Copps — “the power of sport.” Athletes compete in 16 events ranging from badminton to Tae Kwan Do to swimming.

The games wrap up on August 4.

Competition results are posted at http://www.2002naig.com.