North American Indigenous Games Council Launches the 2028 NAIG Bid Process – Expression of Interest

November 27, 2025

The North American Indigenous Games (NAIG) Council has officially launched the bid process for the 2028 North American Indigenous Games, inviting interested communities from across Canada to submit Expressions of Interest (EOI).

To support this process, the NAIG Council has established a Bid Leadership Team that will oversee the EOI phase and guide interested communities through each stage of the bid process. A final decision on the host community will be made by the NAIG Council in June 2026.

The NAIG is an international multi-sport and cultural celebration for Indigenous youth. The 2028 Games are expected to bring together 5,250 participants representing as many as 700 Indigenous Nations from across Turtle Island (Canada and the United States). The Games will feature 15 contemporary and traditional sport competitions, as well as a vibrant cultural program showcasing local and North American Indigenous performers, artists, and cultural groups.

Recently, the NAIG Council modified the delivery model for the Games which will now be organized across two back-to-back competition periods. This approach reduces the peak number of participants and allows hosts to optimize venue usage to better accommodate the large number of sports and competitors. The change will enable more host communities to consider welcoming the NAIG in 2028 and beyond.

“NAIG Council is excited to launch the 2028 NAIG bid process. This extraordinary event unites traditional and contemporary sport with a cultural program that celebrates Indigenous youth excellence in sport and the rich diversity of Indigenous cultures,” said Rick Brant, NAIG Council President. “The NAIG have been a transformative force in the lives of Indigenous people across Turtle Island. Hosting the Games is not only an opportunity to generate meaningful economic benefits, but a chance to forge enduring relationships with Indigenous communities and build upon the impactful legacy of the NAIG.”

Previous editions of the Games have generated up to $50 million in economic benefits, in addition to the equally important social impacts that contribute to advancing reconciliation through sport and culture.

EOI packages are available by contacting the NAIG Bid Leadership Team at:

Jeff Daniels
NAIG Council Advisor – 2028 EOI Process
jeff@mjrevnts.ca

EOI submissions are due February 20, 2026, and only one submission will be accepted by a Provincial/Territorial jurisdiction.

The North American Indigenous Games Council NAIG Council is the International Governing Body for the NAIG exercising exclusive jurisdiction, either directly or through its affiliate members, over all matters pertaining to the Games. It ensures the purposes and philosophies are reflected in all aspects of the NAIG.

For more information on NAIG please visit https://www.naigcouncil.com/

NT5