Minister’s NAIG Welcome Message

NOTE: The following is a statement from Karla MacFarlane, Minister of L’nu Affairs.

This weekend, Kjipuktuk (Halifax) and Nova Scotia will be filled with excitement as more than 5,000 athletes, coaches and team staff are welcomed to the 2023 North American Indigenous Games.

With participants from 750-plus Indigenous Nations gathering and connecting through sport and culture, the next nine days will be extraordinary and a time our province will not soon forget. It will be the largest multi-sport event ever hosted in Atlantic Canada.

Athletic events will take place in Kjipuktuk, Dartmouth and the Mi’kmaw communities of Millbrook and Sipekne’katik.

Mi’kmaw culture and heritage will also be a focus, with activities and entertainment planned in locations around Halifax Regional Municipality.

As Minister of L’nu Affairs, I look forward to joining in the celebration of Indigenous culture, language and community.

I encourage all Nova Scotians to attend some of the events happening July 15-23 and show your support for these young athletes and their families.

You may wish to take in a free concert or cultural demonstration on the Halifax Common or Halifax waterfront, or in Dartmouth Crossing.

By being part of festivities such as this, we create opportunities for personal learning and discovery.

I wish the athletes, artists and everyone involved a fun and successful nine days of competition and celebration.

Sincere thanks to the organizers and many volunteers for their commitment to making the Games a success.

I know friendships will be formed and fond memories made during North American Indigenous Games 2023.