Games Leave a Lasting Legacy

By Niigonwedom (james sinclair)

(Winnipeg, Manitoba) It’s an eerie feeling to sit in downtown Winnipeg, at the remains of the North American Indigenous Games (NAIG) offices, where only eight weeks ago one could not find space amongst the bustling hub of Aboriginal media, athletes and politicians.  “I’ve gone from 18 hour days dealing with all aspects of the Games to nobody phoning me,” laughs Dené Sinclair, Communications Manager of the 2002 NAIG Host Society, “but there’s still lots of cleaning up to do.  From dealing with the loss of hundreds of staff to ensuring the legacy of the Games for Winnipeg, we are still busy.”

Without question, these Games, the fifth of its kind (previous hosts included Edmonton, Victoria, Prince Albert, and Minneapolis), was the most successful ever, breaking attendance and participation records never seen before of Indigenous people from all over Turtle Island.  The final numbers: 20,868 spectators at the Opening Ceremonies, 3,600 volunteers, 6000 athletes from New Mexico to Nunavut, and 3000 cultural performers.  No doubt, the next Games, which are said to possibly be in Buffalo, New York, have a new reputation to live up to.

Team Saskatchewan fared well at these Games, and had won every NAIG games overall point standings trophy, but were upset by the host Manitoba team, who were buoyed by the largest team fielded at these Games – 829 athletes.  Saskatchewan, who came second, fielded just under 800.  As a triumphant Manitoba team descended upon the stage, having stopped Team Saskatchewan’s “Drive for Five” though, athletes were heard vowing for a return from the green and gold.  “This rivalry is not over,” yelled Gazheek Morriseau, while clutching her Gold Medal for women’s fastball. 

These Games survived on a budget of $6 million dollars, supplied by government, corporate sponsorship and private donations.  At press time, and with figures still coming in from clothing and souvenir sales, it appears that the Host Society posted a balanced budget, and in fact, may have a small profit, which will carry on to the next Games. 

But what an exciting 11-day event.  Alex Nelson, Chairman of the NAIG Council, led cheers of “Awesome” at the Official Closing Ceremonies. Christian Sinclair, General Manager of the Games, called these “The Best Games Ever”.  Throughout the 16 venues and 3 athlete’s villages Aboriginal youth descended upon Winnipeg, bringing their families and friends with them.  Buses were provided by the City of Winnipeg and tickets were free to all Games’ events, including the Opening and Closing ceremonies, sporting venues and the Cultural Village in downtown Winnipeg.   

But the lasting memories and laughter were not all the athletes left behind.  Local business owners were lifted by an estimated $26 million dollars of revenue injected into the city’s economy.  Manitoba’s Aboriginal community was on stage for over 15,000 international visitors, from as far away as Pakistan and Brazil.  And local media, who have long focused on stories focused on Aboriginal gangs and violence, were provided with hundreds of Aboriginal role models who emerged from these Games, such as Waneek Horn-Miller in swimming and Walter Cook in canoeing.

Perhaps the most important aspect of these Games, however, is the permanent legacy they leave behind for Manitoba’s Aboriginal youth.  As well, an estimated $80,000 of sport equipment will be donated to the Manitoba Aboriginal Sport and Recreation Council for future programming.  “We’re excited that the Games will leave a lasting impact, as it was in our vision that we leave Winnipeg with something tangible, something for the youth,” said Sinclair.

The winner of the 2005 bid will be announced in December.  Saskatoon is said to be organizing a bid for the 2008 Games, which, if happens, should make for an interesting re-visit for a very proud Manitoba team, and a re-visit to the rivalry.

“We’re going to win again,” said Morriseau.