JOIN US JULY 3, 2027
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The Inter-Band Indigenous Games are much more than a simple sports competition. They are a great gathering of several nations, a celebration of culture and a moment of pride for hundreds of young people from the First Nations of Quebec and Labrador. For 35 years, the Games have traveled from one community to another. In 2027, the community of Uashat Mak Mani-utenam becomes the heart of this great gathering.
There are sports for every taste. There are very popular team and individual sports such as basketball, volleyball, track and field, and badminton. There are also traditional events that are a source of pride for communities, such as canoe races on the water. It is an impressive moment when young people must paddle together with strength and synchronization. The Games are open to girls and boys aged 11 to 17.
This 2027 edition is unique in the history of the Games. For the very first time, there will be adapted events. This will allow young athletes with special needs to participate and have fun with everyone else.
The Inter-Band Indigenous Games were born in 1991. They were inspired by the North American Indigenous Games. At the very beginning, the event was called the Montagnais Games. Over time, the Cree, Atikamekw, Algonquin and Naskapi nations joined the movement. It was at that point that the Games took on their current name.
In 35 years of existence, there have been 17 editions in total. The history has been marked by pauses and restarts. Each time, hundreds of young people arrive with their wonderful energy and leave with magical memories for life. Sport is at the heart of the event, but it is not its only purpose. The Games also serve to celebrate culture, promote prevention and build strong ties between communities. It is a true springboard as much as a competition.
Imagine un événement qui ne reste jamais sur place! À chaque édition, le flambeau change de main. Une communauté se retrousse les manches, prépare ses terrains de sport et ouvre grand ses portes pour accueillir des centaines d’athlètes.
Follow the timeline to discover our journey:
Two territories, but one large community. Located on the shores of the St. Lawrence River, right next to Sept-Îles, about 4,600 Innu share the same language, Innu-aimun, a very vibrant culture and a great pride in sport.
Our community has taken part in the Games since the very first edition in 1991. Uashat Mak Mani-utenam has always been driven by sport, but it was in 1996 that we truly entered the history books. That year, we hosted the Games for the first time. A drawing contest was organized especially for the young people of our community. A student from here won the project, and their creation became our official mascot, Uapushuss, whom we still love today.
In 2019, our community hosted the Games for the fourth time. In 2027, we are opening our doors for the fifth time with the same pride and even more joy to share!
Our culture is also salmon fishing on our rivers and caribou hunting, for which we travel north following the animals’ migration. Respect for the land of our ancestors is fully part of our daily lives. This is also where the Innu Nikamu festival was born in 1984, which has become, over the years, one of the largest Indigenous music festivals in North America.
Here, sport and culture are not secondary activities. They are the strength that keeps our community united and allows us to grow together.