(Fort McMurray, AB – October 18, 2022) – To support Truth and Reconciliation Call to Action #87, the Wood Buffalo 2023 Arctic Winter Games Host Society is creating an Indigenous Sport Gallery and is inviting people within the region to nominate an Indigenous athlete or person who has contributed to the development of sport and well-being within their community.
The Indigenous Sport Gallery will travel throughout Wood Buffalo during the Arctic Winter Games and will recognize, celebrate, and honour Indigenous athletes’ contributions to sport.
“Just as the Arctic Winter Games are an expression of sporting achievement, development and culture, the Sport Gallery reflects the same values, while recognizing a person’s admirable balance of well-being within their lives and communities and also honour the time and effort residents have put into their community,” Allison Flett, Co-Chair of the Host Society’s Culture Committee. “This gallery will contribute to the conversation about Indigenous excellence in sport within Wood Buffalo and inspire youth to strive for future personal greatness.”
A selection panel will review nominations and select 48 recipients to highlight in three categories, including:
- Athlete – demonstrates great skill, effort, well-being and passion for their chosen sport.
- Community Builder – contributes to sport and well-being as a mentor within their community.
- Local Legend – their lasting contribution to sport and well-being within their community that has left an inspiring legacy.
To celebrate the Indigenous Sport Gallery honorees, the Host Society will be holding an 87 Days Out Honouring Ceremony on November 3.
“The creation of the Gallery and hosting the Honouring Ceremony 87 days out of the Games to reflect Truth and Reconciliation Call to Action #87 is an important step in Truth and Reconciliation in the region. We look forward to seeing the mobile gallery travel throughout Wood Buffalo, grow community spirit, and leave a legacy that will live beyond the Games,” added Flett.
HOW TO SUBMIT A NOMINATION:
The nomination forms for all three categories are accessible via awg2023.org/IndigenousSportGallery. Submissions can also be emailed to culture@awg2023.org or dropped off at the Games Operations Centre at 10019 Franklin Ave. Technical questions can be sent to culture@awg2023.org or call 780-713-1406.
The deadline to send in a submission is 11:59 p.m., October 28, 2022.
The Arctic Winter Games is an international biennial celebration of circumpolar sports and culture taking place in the Wood Buffalo region from January 29 – February 4, 2023. The Games will highlight the region and its culture through the spirit of sport to an international audience and visitors from around the world. The week-long event will see participants from our own backyard along with international circumpolar North regions during their Time to Shine.
-30-
Related Information:
- CTA #87 – We call upon all levels of government, in collaboration with the Aboriginal peoples, sports halls of fame, and other relevant to organizations, to provide public education that tells the national story of Aboriginal athletes’ history.
- The Wood Buffalo 2023 Arctic Winter Games Host Society is committed to following in the path of Truth and Reconciliation and has chosen Calls to Action #87, #91 and Beyond 94 to follow on our path to hosting the Games.
- Each recipient and their story will be shared and honoured during the Arctic Winter Games at special guest receptions, activations and cultural pop-ups, Cultural Gala and Games’ venues.
- The Sport Gallery supports Truth and Reconciliation Call to Action #87, nominating and celebrating Indigenous athletes from Wood Buffalo.
Media Contact:
communications@awg2023.org