2015 Alberta Indigenous Games promote healing through sport
There can be cultural learning and professional development. There can be preservation of tradition. And there can be healing.
That’s what happened at the third Alberta Indigenous Games last week in Edmonton, Alta. The Games brought together over 400 Indigenous youth from across Alberta to engage in competitive sport, traditional games, special events, career and cultural connections.
“Our philosophy is that we ‘involve to evolve’ our First Nations youth to become the change they will need to be the connected leaders in their communities,” said Phillip Campiou, Elder, Woodland Cree First Nation and Circle of Courage coordinator for the 2015 Alberta Indigenous Games.
The Games officially kicked off July 12 with five runners who participated in an honorary Eagle Staff Run, from St. Albert, to Rundle Park in Edmonton, and headed up the entry into the opening ceremonies.
Athletes competed in a variety of sports including basketball, volleyball, track, as well as traditional Indigenous games like lacrosse, archery, and canoeing.
Over the week-long event, athletes were encouraged to focus on the four elements of the medicine wheel: emotional, spiritual, mental and physical. Organizers used these four elements as themes throughout the Games to encourage healing and life balance through sport.
“When all elements are in balance and in harmony, your life is good,” said Phillip. “If you don’t have balance, you won’t perform as well in your sport.”
Through daily smudging circles with many of the athletes, Phillip used the opportunity to transfer cultural knowledge, traditional practices and values to bridge the gap between Elders and youth in their communities.
“When the athletes were doing archery, I got to explain how important archery once was for our livelihood and for survival skills,” said Phillip.
At Enbridge, we work hard to safely deliver the energy that helps fuel your quality of life – and we’re also committed to supporting Aboriginal communities where we work, live, and play.
“We’re proud to support the Alberta Indigenous Games, with a $25,000 investment to further support the culture and traditions of our First Nation communities,” said Teresa Homik, Manager, Aboriginal Affairs at Enbridge.
When asked why the Games are so important, Phillip said: “The Games help prevent the loss of cultural knowledge and spirituality, which are key to balance, life, and healing.”
