(SAULT STE. MARIE, ON – July 13, 2017): Algoma University would like to wish Miisheen-Meegwun Shawanda the best of luck at the 2017 North American Indigenous Games (NAIG), happening in Toronto, Ontario, from July 16 – 23. Shawanda will be competing in the sport of wrestling next week.
NAIG is the largest sporting and cultural gathering of Indigenous Peoples in North America. Over 5,000 athletes from ages 13 – 19 are expected to compete in various sports ranging from archery to baseball, lacrosse to rifle shooting, and more. 13 teams spanning the provinces and territories of Canada and 13 regions from the United States will be represented at the games. This is the 10th NAIG.
Miisheen-Meegwun Shawanda, a first year student from Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, will compete in the sport of wrestling on July 18 and July 19. Shawanda is a Crane clan Anishinaabe, who graduated from White Pines Collegiate and Vocational School, and began his career in wrestling at the high school level.
This is the second time Shawanda will don the Aboriginal Team Ontario colours. In 2014 in Regina, Saskatchewan, he competed in the U16 canoe. He is currently enrolled in the University’s three-year Bachelor of Arts in Anishinaabemowin program. More information on Shawanda can be found on the Algoma Thunderbirds’ website.
“We would like to wish Miisheen the best of luck at the 2017 North American Indigenous Games,” said Mark Kontulainen, Athletics and Recreation Director at Algoma U. “This is an incredible opportunity for Miisheen to compete on the national and international stage at such a young age. We look forward to watching him and cheering him on here in Sault Ste. Marie.”
Algoma University will be on hand throughout the NAIG at the Indigenous Marketplace held at York University and at McMaster University. Participants and spectators are encouraged to visit Algoma’s booth and enter a draw for a chance to win free tuition for one academic year. The Indigenous Marketplace will be open from 11:00am – 10:00pm Monday through Friday.
NAIG competitions will be streamed live on CBC Sports.
Algoma University is a proud sponsor of the 2017 NAIG.
Share Article
