FOR RELEASE
July 21, 2014

WHITEHORSE—Yukon’s top First Nation athletes and cultural participants have arrived in Regina, Saskatchewan for the 2014 North American Indigenous Games.

“We are very happy to see Team Yukon participating in this prestigious sport and cultural event,” Minister of Community Services, Brad Cathers said. “These games provide an excellent opportunity for our First Nation youth to engage, compete and perform on a much bigger stage.”

The 2014 North American Indigenous Games will see more than 4000 participants from every province and territory in Canada and from seven states in the USA.

There are 79 participants on this year’s Team Yukon, including elders, mission staff, coaches and athletes. Yukon’s athletes and cultural participants range in age from 13 to 19 and will be competing in seven different events from rifle shooting, to volleyball, to canoeing and archery.

“We are really looking forward to these Games,” executive director of the Yukon Aboriginal Sports Circle Gael Marchand said. “This will be a defining experience for our Yukon First Nation youth participants and will be something they remember for the rest of their lives. We extend a big thank you to all of our sponsors, volunteers and supporters who have helped make these Games possible. ”

Along with the Yukon Aboriginal Sports Circle, Ta’an Kwäch’än Council Chief Kristina Kane and other delegates, Cathers helped to start the cheering for this year’s team at the pep rally that took place at the Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre Friday evening. The team flew to Regina Saturday in time for the opening ceremonies held Sunday. The Games will run until July 27.

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Contact:

Elaine Schiman
Cabinet Communications
867-633-7961
elaine.schiman@gov.yk.ca

Roxanne Stasyszyn
Communications, Community Services
867-393-6489
roxanne.stasyszyn@gov.yk.ca

Gael Marchand (French speaking)
867-335-1827
or
Melissa Carlick (English speaking)
867-335-1854
Yukon Aboriginal Sports Circle
www.yasc.ca