North American Indigenous Games a meaningful experience for Dartmouth retiree

When Dartmouth retiree Joanne Rivest first signed up to volunteer with the 2023 North American Indigenous Games (NAIG), she never expected to be as involved and passionate as she is today.

What is your role?
"I wear a few hats at NAIG. Initially, I was to volunteer only the week of the Games at Lake Banook. After attending my first meeting, I realized I would like to work as a facilitator for the mandatory NAIG training offered to all 3,000 volunteers. I have also taken on the role of second-in-command access control at Lake Banook for canoe/kayak events."

How did you become a volunteer with the Games?
"NAIG is my first really big volunteer commitment. I first heard about the Games back in 2020 and thought, 'I could help with that.' As a tour guide for a local tourism company, the Games were talked about a lot so as they got closer, I decided to sign up."

I believe in our youth and anything that promotes sports and culture. I also believe our Indigenous peoples have been forgotten/erased from our history. This event and everything leading up to it, really helps to highlight and inform.- Joanne Rivest

What are you most excited about in your role? 
"I thought this would be a week of fun, meet some people and interact with the young athletes. Today, I have experienced so much excitement from all the people I have met."

The interaction and knowledge I have attained, and the realization that as a descendant of European colonialists, I have a role and maybe a duty to help educate and share what I have learned.- Joanne Rivest

Is your time with NAIG teaching you anything you would like to share? 
"I am enjoying learning so much more of the rich history of Mi'kma'ki. As a student of history, this has richly enhanced my training which I am now comfortable to share and teach to others."

What would you like other people to know about NAIG?
"Embrace this once in a lifetime opportunity."

One word that best describes your experience as a volunteer with NAIG?
"Exhilarating!"

NAIG 2023 Volunteer Spotlight Series

Throughout National Indigenous History Month, CBC Atlantic is shining the spotlight on some of the incredible people – Indigenous and non-Indigenous –  who are volunteering their time and talents to help North American Indigenous Games (NAIG) welcome more than 5,000 athletes from across Turtle Island to Mi'kma'ki. Through their acts of kindness, the series will help inspire others to see themselves as part of the Games and to share cultural learnings. 

About NAIG 2023

When: July 15-23
Where: Kjipuktuk (Halifax), Dartmouth and Millbrook First Nation
Number of Sports: 16
Number of athletes, coaches, team staff: 5,000
Number of volunteers: 3,000+
Number of volunteer hours: 60,000+
Number of Indigenous Nations attending the Games: 756

MORE FROM THE SPOTLIGHT SERIES:

• Volunteering helps Dykstra embrace her Mi'kmaw culture
• Malaysian-born Saint Mary's University student takes on culture lead for NAIG 2023
• Volunteer Fontaine gives back to the next generation of aspiring Indigenous athletes

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