The North American Indigenous Games Council (NAIG Council) awarded the 2017 NAIG to
Toronto, Ontario, Canada in a vote that took place during the NAIG Council’s Board of Directors meeting
in Richmond, British Columbia.
The bid to host the Games in Toronto, led by the Aboriginal Sport & Wellness Council of Ontario and the
Mississaugas of New Credit First Nation, received unanimous support from the NAIG’s International
Governing Body. Toronto’s selection will mark the first time in the Games twenty-five year history that
the event will be held in a community outside of Western Canada. The awarding of the 2017 NAIG
follows a comprehensive bid process involving the preparation and submission of a bid book, a site
evaluation, and the Bid Committee’s final bid presentation in Richmond.
“Congratulations to the Aboriginal Sport & Wellness Council of Ontario (ASWCO) and Mississaugas of
New Credit First Nation on the selection to host the 2017 NAIG in the city of Toronto,” said NAIG Council
President Rick Brant. “The Council was extremely impressed by the level of detail presented by the Bid
Committee and their high degree of professionalism. We are excited about the opportunity to gather
our Indigenous Nations in Toronto in the summer of 2017. It will be an extraordinary celebration of
athletic excellence, cultural unity and pride.”
Toronto 2017 NAIG Bid Committee chairperson, Marc Laliberte states “The Aboriginal Sport & Wellness
Council of Ontario is tremendously proud and happy to be awarded the 2017 North American
Indigenous Games in the greater Toronto area. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission has stressed
the importance of NAIG as a means of healing and strengthening our people. We are excited to begin
planning, knowing the experience will be incredible - with world class facilities and rich cultural
programming. We will honour and respect the Spirit of the NAIG – Strong, Brave, True.”
Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation Chief Bryan LaForme attended the final bid presentation
with Councillor Larry Sault in support of ASWCO’s bid to host the 2017 NAIG, “We are looking forward to
welcoming the Indigenous youth and their families from across Turtle Island to our traditional territory.
The Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation are honoured and excited to host the next set of the
North American Indigenous Games, and provide a good follow up to hosting the Pan Am / Para-Pan
Following awarding of the 2017, the Toronto 2017 NAIG Bid Committee has several tasks to undertake in
a 6-month period to form a host society which includes; recruit board of directors, incorporate an
independent non-profit organization, confirm financial commitments and submit a business plan.
North American Indigenous Games: The Spirit, Strong – Brave - True
The North American Indigenous Games Council
NAIG Council is the International Governing Body for the NAIG exercising exclusive jurisdiction, either
directly or through its affiliate members or committees, over all matters pertaining to the Games. It
ensures the purposes and philosophies are reflected in all aspects of the NAIG.
The NAIG is a multi-sport, multi-disciplinary event involving Indigenous youth from Canada and USA.
The Games offer 14 sport competitions with up to three age categories in each sport for both male and
female participants. The NAIG also includes a vibrant cultural program showcasing local and North
American Indigenous cultural groups and entertainers.
For more information please visit our website, www.naigcouncil.com. You can also email with general
questions to [email protected].