Alberta Indigenous Games returns to Edmonton for biggest event of its kind

Thousands of athletes have begun to arrive in Edmonton for the 2025 Alberta Indigenous Games, which get underway Thursday and run until Aug. 16.

Ten days of Indigenous youth sport competition start Thursday across Edmonton in what’s expected to be the best-attended annual event of its kind yet.

The 11th edition of the Alberta Indigenous Games will be staged over 10 days through Aug. 16 at several venues across the city.

More than 8,000 athletes aged six to 21 from across Alberta and Canada are expected to compete this year after 6,030 took part in the 2024 Games, which have been held in the Edmonton area for each edition of it since 2011, when 300 youth competed. The opening ceremony is slated for the Edmonton Expo Centre Thursday starting at 6 p.m.

The Alberta Indigenous Games have grown to become the largest Indigenous summer sports and cultural event in North America, the City of Edmonton said in a Wednesday media release.

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“It is very important to provide support, encouragement and empowerment to our youth,” Elder Fred Campion, a board member for the Alberta Indigenous Games, said Wednesday in the release. “It is equally important to create space for them to learn about Indigenous teachings, identity and spirituality. This event supports families and young people in a healthy and nurturing way, leading to stronger communities and healthier lifestyles.”

The 15 sports being staged include archery, athletics (track and field), baseball, basketball, ball hockey, beach volleyball, canoe/kayak, cross country, golf, fastpitch softball, flag football, lacrosse, skateboarding, soccer and volleyball. Participants also take part in ceremonies and cultural programming that includes round dances, hand games, Elder teachings, tipi raising and community healing spaces.

“Each year, more Indigenous youth come together to compete, build community and celebrate culture,” said Jennifer Flaman, Edmonton’s acting city manager. “The remarkable growth of the Games speaks to their power to uplift young people and foster pride in who they are.”

The city said the economic impact of the 2024 Games on Edmonton was greater than events such as the events like the Alberta Winter Games and the Juno Awards, generating a direct economic impact of $17 million and a total impact of $28.7 million.

Registration and check-in started Wednesday at the Edmonton Expo Centre.

Competitions venues include various Rundle Park facilities, the Saville Community Sports Centre, the St. FX Sports Centre as well as several soccer centres and basketball courts among others. The closing ceremony is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Aug. 17 at the Rundle Park Family Centre.