Team Nunavut hits the court at North American Indigenous Games

Updated July 19 at 10:45 a.m.

Team Nunavut netted its first win at the North American Indigenous Games on Tuesday with the under-19 men’s volleyball team winning a preliminary match against Team Eastern Door and the North, the team representing Quebec First Nations and Inuit.

Nunavut narrowly clinched the victory with a 2-1 final score in a match that saw the teams go toe-to-toe in points throughout each of the three sets.

The win follows an initial 2-0 loss on Monday against Team Alberta.

The men’s volleyball team will play two more matches in its preliminary round-robin tournament, including a game Wednesday at 1 p.m. EDT against Team British Columbia and Thursday at 2:15 p.m. EDT against Team Manitoba.

The under-19 women’s team faced off against Team Northwest Territories on Monday, winning one set in the game but ultimately losing the match 2-1.

A second loss followed on Tuesday with Team Ontario emerging triumphant against Nunavut with a 2-0 win.

Nunavut’s women’s team will play its next match in the preliminary pool B round-robin tournament Thursday at 9:15 a.m. EDT against Team Eastern Door and the North.

Team Nunavut’s contingent of more than 60 athletes, coaches and staff are competing this year in volleyball, badminton and wrestling.

Nunavut’s wrestling team members had their weigh-ins on Tuesday, with official matches getting underway shortly after in both the men’s and women’s divisions. Placement matches will take place on Wednesday.

The men’s and women’s badminton teams also faced off in their respective singles matches on Tuesday. On Wednesday, the team will begin its doubles competitions.

Fans can watch events on the 2023 North American Indigenous Games YouTube page, and can keep track of schedules and results on the games website naig2023.com.

Correction: This article was updated to note the correct start times for games.