North American Indigenous Games calls for volunteers

Organizers of the North American Indigenous Games 2020 (NAIG 2020) have officially put out a call for volunteers.

More than 3,000 volunteers are needed for the Games, to be held from July 12 to 18, with events in Kjipuktuk (Halifax), Millbrook First Nation and Aldershot, Nova Scotia.

NAIG 2020 - the largest multi-sport and cultural event to come to Atlantic Canada - will welcome more than 5,200 athletes, coaches and team staff from 756 Indigenous nations. They will take part in cultural celebrations and compete in 16 sports across 21 venues.

Courtney Gilfoy, volunteer manager of the Games, said more than 500 volunteers have already signed up. Volunteer leaders and chairpersons of each committee have stepped forward for a wide range of roles such as logistics, transportation and accreditations. They are now looking forward to completing their volunteer needs.

For a complete list of volunteer descriptions and to become a volunteer visit: NAIG2020.com/volunteer

Guests at the volunteer launch at Halifax City Hall on Feb. 21 got a glimpse of Mi'kmaq culture with performances by the Iron Tide Singers and Drummers from Millbrook First Nation, led by Garrett Gloade, and colourful Indigenous dancers Tehya Milliea, Jaici Syliboy and Lyndon Red Bear.

Neil Stephen, marketing and communications volunteer chair, said he "had to Google to find out what NAIG was" and when he learned more about it he had to be involved.

"We have a well-earned reputation in this province for rolling out the red carpet," Stephen said. "In Nova Scotia, we are used to family coming and going, and welcoming people is what we do here. Volunteering at this event will provide an opportunity to change lives."

Some of the first to answer the call for volunteers were the Halifax Professional Firefighters. 

Firefighter Brendan Meagher said his members were approached by the organizers to see if they could make a contribution. 

"Our members have so much energy and talent that they could give. We wanted to display a spirit of inclusion from Halifax firefighters," he said at the event.

"There is an opportunity to celebrate Indigenous culture and to celebrate Halifax. It shows that our firefighters welcome diversity."

Halifax-based Games Ambassador Savvy Simon, who competed in two previous North American Indigenous Games, said the province is going "to feel some of the biggest warmth it's ever felt in its history."

She is hoping people from all walks of life, especially immigrants and Indigenous people who live in the city, and who are not on a reserve, will volunteer at the Games.

"We get to welcome all of these beautiful people that are coming," she said.

CBC is media partner of NAIG 2020.