The North American Indigenous Games (NAIG) Council is the International Governing Body for the NAIG exercising exclusive jurisdiction, either directly or through its affiliate members or committees, over all matters pertaining to the Games. It ensures the purposes and philosophies are reflected in all aspects of the games.
The NAIG Council is the principle authority for policy development, rules and regulations for the North American Indigenous Games.
The NAIG Council works in a manner which is consistent with the cultural, spiritual and traditional values of the peoples it is representing. In their activities, they promote and encourage holistic individual development that assures mental, physical, emotional and spiritual growth.
NAIG Council formation
The NAIG Council was formed between 1992 and 1993 with the help of the hosts from Edmonton, Alberta and Prince Albert, Saskatchewan along with other key individuals.
The founders of the North American Indigenous Games from Alberta, Canada in a manner consistent with their cultural traditions, handed over the governance and management of the Games to the newly formed NAIG Council.
The NAIG Council is an incorporated, non-profit organization registered in Marysville, Washington, USA. NAIG Council is also registering their non-profit status in Canada. It is governed by a board of directors and supported by its member regions from Canada and the USA.
Board of Directors
The Board of Directors is made up of a maximum of 26 members.
The board of directors’ are mandated by the Provincial, Territorial Aboriginal Sport Bodies in Canada and a collective of States within defined regions in the USA. Memberships are renewed annually through letters of mandate and a $500 fee.
The Officers
The Officers of the Council make up the Executive Committee and include the President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer. The Past President, Elder Advisor and senior staff are ex-officio members of the Executive Committee.
The President, Vice-President, Treasurer and Secretary are elected by the Board of Directors from amongst themselves. Election of officers is conducted at the Annual General meeting immediately following the conclusion of the North American Indigenous Games. Elections have occurred in November 2011 and 2014.
