Published May 03, 2025 • Last updated 3 hours ago • 2 minute readNatalie Gallant, left, and Brian Vincent are among the adults hoping to be selected to compete at the 2027 North American Indigenous Games. Photo by Vivian Ulinwa /The GuardianIndigenous youth from across Epekwitk came together recently at the Chi-Wan Young Sports Centre in Charlottetown to celebrate sport, culture and community to kick off the journey toward the 2027 North American Indigenous Games (NAIG)The event brought together about 30 youth from across the Island. Lynn Ann Hogan, senior program co-ordinator for P.E.I. Aboriginal Sport Circle, said the day was about preparing for the long path ahead.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle content“Today is really significant. It’s our kickoff. It’s to create awareness and to get youth excited about the possibility of trying out for Team P.E.I.”The North American Indigenous Games, often called the “Olympics for Indigenous youth,” will host more than 5,000 athletes and coaches from more than 750 Indigenous nations across North America.Hogan said Team P.E.I. is a small but proud group and may send about 29 athletes, like in the last games. In 2023, the team competed in archery, athletics, badminton, swimming and wrestling.Read More 12-year-old P.E.I. athlete aims for next North American Indigenous Games, inspired by her brother EDITORIAL: Time to share joy at North American Indigenous Games Over the next 27 months, Indigenous youth across the province will have a chance to try different sports and discover where their strengths lie“Some might already know exactly what sports they like, but others may not have had a chance to try everything. So, we’ll provide those opportunities on behalf of the Aboriginal support circle.”Article contentAmong the athletes was Samuel Campbell, who competed at the last NAIG in Halifax as one of the youngest athletes. Campbell described the experience as “scary” at first, but also memorable.“I knew I was the slowest because everybody was older than me,” he said, recalling competing in track. “I feel more comfortable, ready for (the next games)”Campbell said he hopes to compete in track or lacrosse in 2027, and he will be training hard for it. From left, Brenley Bassett, Riley Bisset of Lacrosse P.E.I., Samuel Campbell of Lennox Island First Nation, Leland Clair of Abegweit First Nation, Abby MacDonald, and Alex Stokes of Lacrosse P.E.I. at the North American Indigenous Games kickoff event. Lacrosse P.E.I. will help train youth in preparation for the competition. Photo by Vivian Ulinwa /The GuardianNatalie Gallant, who also competed at the 2023 Games, said the experience was meaningful for her as well.“It meant representing the community and the Island as a whole,” she said. “I’m looking forward to meeting more people again.”For first-timer Bria Vincent, the kickoff event was a mix of excitement and nerves. She’s hoping to make the team in volleyball or possibly rifle shooting or 3D archery.“It’s like an accomplishment (to) represent my family and my stepsister and the Island,” Vincent said. “I’m excited, but I know training and tryouts will be challenging.”For Hogan seeing past Canada Games participants and former athletes returning to mentor the youth for NAIG is part of what makes these gatherings so special. Many of these same athletes and coaches also have children who are training for the competition.“The energy here today is exciting. The families are so proud and excited about the opportunity that their child might be able to go to NAIG.”Vivian Ulinwa is a reporter for The Guardian in Prince Edward Island. She can be reached at vulinwa@postmedia.com and followed on X @vivian_ulinwa.Article content
Indigenous youth gather in P.E.I. to kick off journey to 2027 North American Indigenous Games
