Forward
By Allan Ross:
First and foremost I am truly grateful for the voluntary
commitment of our main writer and coordinator, Deloria
Many Grey Horses-Violich, who has lent her extensive
talent to our manual. Her countless hours of dedication
and passion are truly remarkable and greatly appreciated.
Thank you to Jacob Alexis for providing the beautiful cover
art and inside illustrations for this manual, and for designing
the Games logo. I also want to express my sincere
gratitude to Dr. Gabor Mat. for his instant endorsement
and contribution to our manual. A special thank you to
NorQuest College for their generous contribution and
support in the editing, layout, and printing of the manual.
The Alberta Indigenous Games would not be where they
are at today if it were not for some key individuals and I
want to thank them for their contributions. These people
worked tirelessly to ensure the success of the inaugural
games in 2011. They are, in no particular order, ENBA Board
Chairperson, Martha Campiou; Head Coach, Barry Curtis;
Honorary Elders, Nellie Carlson and Francis WhiskeyJack;
Canoe Coordinator, Rick Hill; Fund Developer, Orlando
Alexis; Circle of Courage Developer, Dawn Marie Marchand;
Youth Representative, Chesare Cardinal; Games Manager,
Marnie Ross; Executive Assistant, Mary Jane Badger; Golf
Coordinator, Harvey (Bingo) Morin; Athletics Coordinator,
Trina Goodin; Archery Coordinator, Tracy Kledle; Special
Guest, Dr. Martin Brokenleg; former Edmonton Eskimo, Jed
Roberts; Athletics Assistant, Ron Walker; and Basketball
Coordinator, Paul Sir. And thank you to Cheri Jubinville,
who originally had the vision of holding an Alberta
Indigenous Games.
We have been very fortunate to have new members join
our group. They also deserve recognition and thanks
for their contributions to the 2013 games. Honorary
Chairperson, Gwen Crouse; Fund Developer, Dr. Martha
Many Grey Horses; Elder and Cultural Advisor, Will
Campbell; Edmonton City Police Aboriginal Liaison, Lisa
Wolfe; ENBA Sports Board Members, Sharon Baptiste,
Lisa Flett, Jeremy Makokis, Eddy Loyie, Leslee Mills, Hazel
McKennett; Entertainment Stage Coordinator, Michelle
Nieviadomy; Traditional Games Coordinator, Karyn Gagnon;Executive Assistant, Victoria Goodwill;
RCMP Aboriginal Liaison, Alec Courterellie; Games Manager, Angela Sladende Rox; Lacrosse Coordinator, Dalen Crouse; Softball Coordinator, Lucy Johnson; Soccer Coordinator, Morgan Davies; Volunteer Coordinator and BBQ and Round Dance Coordinator, Ken Kovacs; Lieutenant Governor of Alberta, Donald S. Ethell; Promotions Manager, Jamie L’Hirondelle; Athlete Recruiter, Sage Morin; Master of Ceremonies, Ashley Callingbull; and Special Guest, Olympian Waneek Horn-Miller.
The mandate of the Alberta Indigenous Games is
threefold: Sport Development, Empowerment by
Education, and Cultural Connection through the Circle
of Courage. Our committees have stayed true to the
mandate throughout the planning and implementation
stages. We were extremely happy that our endeavours
drew 500 participants in 2011. Needless to say we are
ecstatic to have 1500 registrants for the 2013 Games and
are optimistic that our goal of 3000 participants in 2015 is
easily within our reach.
Many people and organizations have stepped up to
sponsor and provide assistance to the Games. It would be
impossible to thank everyone individually, but we want
them to know how grateful we are for their contributions.
It is not exaggerating when I say that we could never have
brought the Games to fruition without their generous
support. Our heartfelt thanks go out to each and every
one of them.
In closing, I would like to add that the main reason for the
Alberta Indigenous Games is to bring enrichment to the
lives of Aboriginal children: to encourage their participation
in sports, education, and cultural connection. As our
Games grow, it is our hope that the lives we have touched
will result in the growth of Aboriginal contributions to the
well-being, and the cultural and economic enrichment of
our province.