SASKATCHEWAN ATHLETES TO COMPETE AT THE 2008 NORTH AMERICAN INDIGENOUS GAMES

Saskatchewan will send a strong team to compete at the 2008 North American Indigenous Games (NAIG) being held August 3 to 10 in Cowichan Valley in British Columbia. Cowichan 2008 - The Journey of a Generation will bring together the best Indigenous athletes from around North America to compete and participate in the cultural and educational aspects of the event.

"As we have seen in a number of provincial and western Canadian competitions, Saskatchewan has an excellent, elite base of talented Aboriginal athletes," Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Christine Tell said. "The Government of Saskatchewan is committed to supporting and working with First Nations and Métis leaders, sport professionals and volunteers to increase the level of sport participation in the province."

The Government of Saskatchewan and its agencies are contributing $100,000 to support Team Saskatchewan with $70,000 coming from Sask. Sport Inc., $20,000 from Saskatchewan Tourism and $10,000 from the Ministry of First Nations and Métis Relations. The Government of Canada will also lend support through an agreement with the Province. In addition, the Ministry of First Nations and Métis Relations has already contributed $15,000 outside of the agreement for planning and preparation.

"Since the North American Indigenous Games were first held, Team Saskatchewan has established itself as one of the powerhouse teams," First Nations and Métis Relations Minister June Draude said. "Once again, as our young First Nations and Métis athletes, dedicated coaches and hard-working organizers leave for this world-class competition, we wish them the best and hope they bring home the gold."

The North American Indigenous Games is an important part of the sport development system in Saskatchewan. Team Saskatchewan has fielded full teams for all Games since their inception in 1990. This year's team will include over 500 athletes, coaches and managers. In the past, Saskatchewan has done very well, most recently winning the overall championship in July 2006 in Denver Colorado. People can follow the competition on APTN, the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network.

Ministers Tell and Draude will be attending the games to show support to all the athletes. "I encourage everyone to get behind Team Saskatchewan and cheer them on to another victory," Tell said.

The Cowichan Tribes of British Columbia will host over 5000 athletes and 3000 cultural artisans and performers. All the regions of North America will be represented, with 13 provincial and territorial teams and as many as 20 teams from the U.S. The largest event of its kind, the Games reflect the traditions of Indigenous cultures using athletic competition to promote healthier lifestyles while reinforcing family and cultural values.

Through the universality of sports and competition, the Games are also meant to strengthen relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples of North America. Visit www.cowichan2008.com to learn more.

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For more information, contact:

Janice Wilby
Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport
Regina
Phone: 306-787-5781 Sean St. George
First Nations and Métis Relations
Regina
Phone: 306- 787-7177