Halifax beats Ottawa, Victoria to host 2020 North American Indigenous Games

Halifax has bested Victoria and Ottawa to win the 2020 North American Indigenous Games.

The Nova Scotia government says the North American Indigenous Games Council chose Halifax in a vote Thursday in Montreal.

The Mi’kmaq Sport Council of Nova Scotia was behind the effort to host the games, which will include more than 5,000 Indigenous participants in 15 events.

The games will be the largest multi-sport event ever held in Nova Scotia.

The provincial government had committed $3.5 million in support of the bid.

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Events will be held at various locations over eight days in Halifax Regional Municipality and in Millbrook, N.S.

“I am so excited about Halifax hosting NAIG in 2020, sharing our Mi’kmaw culture with athletes from across North America,” Mattea Bernard, an athlete from Millbrook, said in a release. “I hope I will get the chance to compete during the games and this news will provide the motivation I need to get there.”

The 2017 games were hosted by Toronto.

“This is a very proud moment for the Mi’kmaq Sport Council, our Mi’kmaw communities and all Nova Scotians,” said Premier Stephen McNeil, who is also minister of Aboriginal Affairs.

Norman Bernard, chief of Wagmatcook and president of Mi’kmaq Sport Council, called the selection an honour.

“I am confident the games will provide opportunities for all Nova Scotians to learn more about the contributions of our Mi’kmaw and Indigenous culture across the province and North America.”

The British Columbia government had contributed $3.5 million in support of the Songhees First Nation’s bid.

The Canadian Press