NEWS RELEASE
NORTH AMERICAN INDIGENOUS GAMES COUNCIL
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Charlottetown, P.E.I. – The North American Indigenous Games Council (NAIG Council) announced this week the appointment of Dale Tamara Plett, Director of Engagement, Operations and Policy with the Aboriginal Sport and Wellness Council of Ontario, as its new President.
In the short time Plett has been with the organization, her presence, expertise, and impact has created an atmosphere of excitement and collaboration, which has inspired her colleagues and all those around her.
In a unanimous decision, the council voted for Plett, the first female President of the NAIG Council, to take on the responsibilities of the role of President, for a period of two years.
The NAIG Council is eager to see the direction Plett will lead the organization in, and how her influence will grow the NAIG as a platform for the celebration of Indigenous achievement in sport, across Turtle Island.
“It’s an incredibly exciting time for our people. I am honoured and grateful,” said Plett after being elected President. “We have an exceptional national leader at the helm of the Aboriginal Sports Circle with Dr. Forsyth. I look forward to continue on with the great work already established and to be tasked by my remarkable colleagues at the North American Indigenous Games Council, to raise the standards for the North American Indigenous Games, even higher,” she said.
Plett, a proud Anishnabe Kwe Indigenous woman from the Fish Clan, and a registered band member of Chippewas of Rama First Nation, is a long-time sport enthusiast, avid volunteer, and community builder. The former Recreation Manager for Rama First Nation and Assistant Chef D ’Mission for Aboriginal Team Ontario in 2017 has dedicated much of her professional and personal time to the development of Indigenous sport opportunities in Ontario.
“I am proud to see our youth be strong in who they are, with opportunities to celebrate their athletic achievements on an international platform, such as the NAIG,” said Plett.
Other members of the executive elected at the NAIG Council October 19 election included:
Vice President – Christine Abram (Haudenosaunee)
Treasurer – Mike Sutherland (Manitoba)
Interim Secretary – Lynn Anne Hogan (Prince Edward Island)
In addition to Plett’s appointment, NAIG Council wishes to acknowledge Dr. Janice Forsyth, who was recently appointed to the Aboriginal Sport Circle Board of Directors as the Interim President. Forsyth is a leading expert in the field of Indigenous sport and recreation and has made incredible contributions to Indigenous sport locally and internationally. Forsyth’s current role as the Director of First Nations studies at Western University is a testament to her strengths as a visionary leader, dedicated to youth and sport initiatives.
In moving forward, NAIG Council is honoured to have these two inspiring Indigenous women leading the NAIG Council and the Aboriginal Sport Circle and would like to acknowledge, recognize and celebrate the magnitude of the Indigenous sport movement in Canada.
Through the celebration of sport and culture, the NAIG Council has the opportunity to uplift our youth and communities, encourage sharing and learning, promote understanding and respect, and build a greater future for all Indigenous Peoples across Turtle Island. NAIG Council wishes the newly appointed leaders, the strength and wisdom to continue to build on the good work that has been done, and thank them for their efforts and determination in bringing sport opportunities to our youth and communities.
About the North American Indigenous Games
The North American Indigenous Games (NAIG) are a multi-sport, multi-disciplinary event involving Indigenous youth, aged 13-19, from Canada and the United States (also known as Turtle Island).
The NAIG offers 14 sport competitions in addition to a vibrant cultural program, showcasing local and North American Indigenous cultural groups, artists and performers.
The NAIG, was first held in 1990 in Edmonton, Alberta, and has been staged on nine other occasions since then, in various locations throughout Canada and the United States.
Athletes competing in the NAIG must be born of North American Indigenous ancestry. All contingents participating in the North American Indigenous Games (NAIG) must represent the Indigenous Peoples of a Province/Territory in Canada, or a State/Region in the United States of America. Only athletes registered with a contingent are eligible to compete in the NAIG.
The 2020 NAIG will take place in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
The NAIG Council is the International Governing Body for the NAIG exercising exclusive jurisdiction, either directly or through its affiliate members or committees, over all matters pertaining to the Games. It ensures the purposes and philosophies are reflected in all aspects of the games. The Council is also the principle authority for policy development, rules and regulations for the North American Indigenous Games.
For more information, visit the website.
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