Masters Indigenous Games set to kick off in Ottawa

Top Indigenous athletes from across the country are descending upon the nation’s capital this weekend for a unique sporting event that combines past and present.

The opening ceremony for the Masters Indigenous Games will take place Thursday evening at TD Place, kicking off a three-day event featuring popular team games, like basketball and volleyball, as well traditional Arctic sports, like the one foot high kick and Inuit stick pull.

This year’s event is hosted by the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation. The Masters Indigenous Games were first held in Toronto in 2018, and were originally intended to take place every two years, but postponements caused by the COVID-19 pandemic mean this year’s event is only the third iteration of the games. 

Ottawa also previously hosted the 2023 games, which were founded by Indigenous Sport and Wellness Ontario. 

Following Thursday’s opening ceremony, competitions will be held Friday through Sunday across the city. Track and field events will be held at the Terry Fox Athletic Facility, while the Arctic sports will take place at Algonquin College.

Basketball will take place at Carleton University, volleyball games will be held at TD Place, while the golf tournament will be hosted at Loch March Golf and Country Club.

The event will also include a 3D archery competition, which involves shooting at foam animal targets, as opposed to a circular bullseye. 

The games will conclude with a closing ceremony at Lansdowne, which will include speakers, additional awards and a Pow Wow. During the games, Lansdowne will also host a cultural village featuring Indigenous vendors, artists, and storytellers that is free for spectators to check out.

More information is available at www.mastersindigenousgames.com.