With the support of other central Vancouver Island First Nations and the non-aboriginal community, we are hosting the 2008 North American Indigenous Games from August 2 – 10.

More than 7,000 athletes will be competing in 16 sports.  In addition, there will be 2,000 cultural performers and more than 3,000 volunteers.

As well as the sporting events, the Games will include opening and closing ceremonies with over 20,000 participants and spectators expected, the largest ever Tribal Journeys Canoe Regatta, and a Cultural Village with entertainment, artisans, merchandise, and cultural activities.

It is estimated that the Games will contribute over $30 million to the local economy.

Click www.cowichan2008.com to access their homepage.

TRIBAL JOURNEY

First launched in 1989 as a celebration of Indigenous peoples' highly sophisticated relationship with the ocean, Tribal Journeys is one of the most prominent cultural events associated with the North American Indigenous Games. The largest-ever Tribal Journeys Canoe Voyage is set to mark the beginning of the 2008 Games.

As many as 100 traditional ocean-going canoes, from a variety of canoe cultures and nations, will make a two-week journey to Cowichan, travelling from as far north as the Alaskan border (Tlinget) and the Queen Charlotte Islands (Haida) and as far south as Oregon State.

Their journey ends as they pull into Cowichan Bay. There they will be received into Cowichan territory with a traditional Coast Salish Welcome, a ceremony symbolic of ancient times when one nation would travel into the territory of another, reminding us of the importance of the sharing of culture and respect for Indigenous people all over the world.

Dates: Landing day is Monday, July 28th, 2008.
Protocol will continue until August 1, 2008.
Contact: Dawnda Nahanee,
Tribal Journey Coordinator: (250) 746 - 2008 ext 247

For more information visit the website Tribal Journeys 2008