The Okanagan Nation proudly recognizes the 38 Syilx participants from across the Territory who will be competing in the 2017 North American Indigenous Games (NAIG). All of these competitors demonstrate a high level of dedication and excellence in their sport. They have further exhibited a strong commitment to their participation and representation at NAIG through the support of their families and communities in competing in the Regional tryouts and training to represent Team BC. We are aware of their determination to compete and vie for a spot on the Team by their fundraising efforts in order to enable their own participation. For many of these athletes NAIG will be the premier sporting event that they will participate at in their athletic careers.
There are 16 sports represented at NAIG including basketball, archery, and lacrosse, alongside many more. Of these Syilx athletes, they are in the competing in Archery, Athletics, Basketball, Lacrosse, Rifle Shooting, Softball, Volleyball, and Wrestling.
Overall, access and opportunity to play and excel in such sports competition is integral to promoting the physical, mental health and wellness of indigenous youth. It also provides an excellent opportunity to cultivate a deep sense of pride in both culture and Nation.
The 2017 NAIG will be held in Toronto, Canada, starting on July 16 with Opening Ceremonies, with the games running from the 17th until the 22nd, 2017. This is the largest continental sporting and cultural gathering of Indigenous people, with over 5000 indigenous athletes attending. Since 1990 the event has been hosted every three years, now intermittently between Canada and the USA.
Safe travels to all those travelling to Anishinaabe Territory for NAIG. We look forward to continuing support and cheer you on from the stands and afar!
For full updates on the sporting events please visit: www.naig2017.to/en/
For further information on indigenous sport in BC, please visit Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity and Recreation Council: www.isparc.ca
Media Contact:
Tara Montgomery, ONA Communications Lead / Email: tmontgomery@syilx.org / Tel: 250-862-6866
About #Team88: In 2017 NAIG developed the hashtag #Team88 to draw more awareness to the Truth & Reconciliation Commissions articles that specifically address further support for indigenous sports programs and infrastructure. Specifically, article 88 states “We call upon all levels of government to take action to ensure long-term Aboriginal athlete development and growth, and continued support for the North American Indigenous Games, including funding to host the games and for provincial and territorial team preparation and travel”. As such, the capacity to participate at such events and further develop skills will be greatly enhanced if this article is recognized by the federal and provincial governments.
CONGRATULATIONS
Okanagan Nation NAIG Athletes & Coaches
#Team88 #ALLONE #NAIG2017
Archery
Brandon Pierre U16 Male PIB
Brooke Tanner U16 Female OIB
Carter Crow U16 Male LSIB
Kaxwtikn Hall-Andrew U16 Male OIB
Keely Tom U19 Female UNB
William Hall U19 Male OIB
Athletics
Jacob Taylor U16 Male OKIB
Sheena Louie U19 Female LSIB
Basketball
Corbin Marsden-Blackface U16 Male LSIB
Dayna Paynton U16 Female WFN
Kaleb Montgomery-Reid U14 Male LSIB
Madison Terbasket U19 Female LSIB
Peter Waardenburg Jr. U14 Male LSIB
Phoenix Prince U14 Female WFN
Sage Terbasket U14 Male LSIB
Sterling Peterson U19 Male LSIB
Summer De Guevara U19 Female WFN
Treyton Waardenburg U19 Male LSIB
William Casmir-Eneas U16 Male PIB
Lacrosse
Jacob Brewer U16 Male OKIB
Joshua Dubrett U19 Male OKIB
Meadow Arcand-Squakin U19 Female USIB
Noah West U16 Male LSIB
Reece Jones U19 Female OKIB
Stephane Richard U19 Male OKIB
William Brewer U16 Male OKIB
Rifle Shooting
Laatya James U19 Female OIB
Softball
Ethan Joe U19 Male OKIB
Nakoda Parker U16 Male OKIB
Sapion Joe U16 Male OKIB
Volleyball
Fiona Lizotte U19 Female OKIB
Wrestling
Ethan Parkinson Male OKIB
Head Coach
Peter Waardenburg U14 Boys-Basketball
Assistant Coaches
Ashley McGinnis U14 Female Basketball
Cody Teichroeb U19 Male Lacrosse
Sonya Jensen Archery
Manager
Jasmine Montgomery-Reid U14 Boys Basketball
Assistant Chef de Mission
Bernard Manuel Team BC
*Disclaimer: This list may not be comprehensive. Please notify us of any missing Okanagan Nation participants to ensure that we have an inclusive list.