New Brunswick Indian Summer Games Underway in Woodstock

Woodstock First Nation is hosting the 2015 New Brunswick Indian Summer Games all this week.

Up to 1,500 athletes from all 15 Mi’kmaq and Maliseet communities across the province are competing in a variety of sports including soccer, archery, ball hockey, track and field, baseball and golf.

Several venues in Woodstock will be hosting various events including Ayr Motor Centre, Connell Park racetrack, Woodstock High School and Woodstock Golf and Curling Club.

The games are also an opportunity to celebrate aboriginal culture and heritage as there will be a parade of athletes, traditional colour guards and drumming groups.

The Indian Summer games were first held in the 1970’s, but fell victim to a lack of funding. The New Brunswick Aboriginal Sport and Recreation Authority revived the event in 2010.

“These games are an excellent way of bringing aboriginal athletes together,” said Ed Doherty, minister responsible for Aboriginal Affairs. “It is a chance to meet and make new friends from other First Nation communities and I encourage all New Brunswickers to join in the celebrations.”

Closing ceremonies will be held on Saturday.