The North American Indigenous Games will no longer be held in Calgary in 2027, the event’s governing council said on Thursday.
The Northwest Territories sends delegations of hundreds of athletes to each edition of NAIG. Team NT won 11 medals at the last NAIG in Nova Scotia two years ago.
In a press release, the North American Indigenous Games Council said it was “retracting” Calgary’s hosting rights.
“Over the past two years, NAIG Council has worked closely with the host society to support their efforts, providing guidance, capacity-building support, resources and external expertise to assist with planning and budgeting processes required to deliver a successful Games,” the council stated.
“Despite the collective efforts of many, it became increasingly clear that critical benchmarks could not be met.
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“To uphold the integrity of the Games and ensure the long-term strength of the NAIG movement, NAIG Council has made the difficult but necessary decision to retract the previously awarded hosting rights for NAIG 2027.”
What happens next is not clear, and no replacement host was announced.
“We recognize that this announcement may be deeply disappointing to Indigenous athletes, coaches, families, and communities across Turtle Island who were looking forward to gathering in Calgary,” the council stated.
“We want to assure everyone that NAIG Council remains steadfast in its commitment to Indigenous youth and to the ongoing advancement of the NAIG movement.
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“Our focus now turns to identifying a new path forward – one that protects the spirit and legacy of the Games and minimizes disruption for the youth and communities we serve.”
The council said more updates would be provided “in the coming weeks.” Calgary 2027’s organizers had not commented by the time of publication.
Indigenous Sports Circle NWT said the news was “disappointing.”
“ISCNWT remains committed to supporting Indigenous youth and the spirit of NAIG. We will continue working with partners across the country to find a path forward that honours the legacy of the Games,” the territorial organization stated.
