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TRADITIONAL SENDOFF – Gramma Susie and Cash Creek Charlie got Team Yukon dancing during Friday’s pep rally at the Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre. The team is currently competing at the 2014 North American Indigenous Games. Photo courtesy GOVERNMENT OF YUKON

First Nations youth in Regina for Indigenous Games

Yukon’s top First Nations athletes and cultural participants have arrived in Regina, Sask., for the 2014 North American Indigenous Games.

By Whitehorse Star on July 22, 2014

Yukon’s top First Nations athletes and cultural participants have arrived in Regina, Sask., for the 2014 North American Indigenous Games.

“We are very happy to see Team Yukon participating in this prestigious sport and cultural event,” Community Services Minister Brad Cathers said in a press release issued yesterday.

“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 4,000 participants from every province and territory in Canada and from seven states in the USA.

There are 79 participants on 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 including rifle shooting, volleyball, canoeing, softball, archery and athletics.

A portion of the contingent will also participate in the International Indigenous Arts.

“We are really looking forward to these Games,” said Gael Marchand, executive director of the Yukon Aboriginal Sports Circle.

“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 a pep rally that took place at the Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre Friday night.

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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