“Sport gives our youth an opportunity to build confidence, develop leadership skills, strengthen friendships, and proudly represent their Nations.”
– Grand Chief Jerry Daniels
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 11, 2026
ANISHINAABE AND DAKOTA TERRITORY, MB — The Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) congratulates Sagkeeng Anicinabe Nation as it welcomes about 450 youth athletes, along with their families, coaches, officials, and supporters, for the second phase of the 2026 Manitoba Indigenous Summer Games.
Youth from First Nations across Manitoba will compete in golf, basketball, archery, athletics, and ball hockey, while lacrosse will be featured as a demonstration sport. The Games will also include ceremonies and cultural activities that celebrate First Nations identity, traditions, and community.
“We are proud to welcome young athletes, families, coaches, and supporters from across Manitoba to Sagkeeng Anicinabe First Nation,” stated Chief EJ Fontaine. “Our Nation has worked hard to create a Games experience that celebrates athletic achievement, strengthens cultural connections, and leaves every participant with lasting memories. I thank our organizers, Elders, staff, volunteers, and community members for helping us provide a strong and welcoming home for these Games.”
“SCO is proud to stand with Sagkeeng Anicinabe First Nation in welcoming young athletes from across Manitoba,” stated Grand Chief Jerry Daniels. “Sport gives our youth an opportunity to build confidence, develop leadership skills, strengthen friendships, and proudly represent their Nations. These opportunities contribute to the health and strength of our young people and our Nations.”
The Games reflect SCO’s Movement is Medicine approach, which recognizes sport and physical activity as important parts of holistic health and wellness. Movement strengthens physical and mental wellness while creating positive opportunities for youth to connect with their peers, cultures, and communities.
“The Manitoba Indigenous Summer Games provide a powerful opportunity for young people to come together, celebrate their identities, and experience the pride and excitement of representing their Nations,” continued Grand Chief Daniels. “The confidence, friendships, and memories built through these Games will extend far beyond the field of competition.”
The Games officially commenced with an opening ceremony at 7:30 pm on August 10 at the Sagkeeng Arena Multiplex. The grand entry was led by Sagkeeng Elder and former Front Runner Patrick Bruyere, accompanied by Sagkeeng High School drummers and dancers.
Bruyere was one of 10 First Nations athletes selected to carry the Pan American Games torch approximately 800 kilometres from St. Paul, Minnesota, to Winnipeg in 1967. Despite completing the journey, the First Nations runners were not permitted to carry the torch into the stadium. When the Pan American Games returned to Winnipeg in 1999, the surviving Front Runners were invited to enter the stadium with the torch, completing the journey they had been denied decades earlier.
“On behalf of SCO, I thank Chief EJ Fontaine, Sagkeeng’s leadership, Games organizers, Elders, volunteers, coaches, families, and everyone who worked to make these Games possible,” concluded Grand Chief Daniels. “Most importantly, I congratulate every young athlete who earned the opportunity to compete. Carry your Nation with pride, support one another, and enjoy every moment.”
The Manitoba Indigenous Summer Games returned in 2026 after the planned 2025 Games were postponed because of the wildfire emergency affecting First Nations across Manitoba. Norway House Cree Nation hosted the first phase in July, with Sagkeeng hosting the second phase this week.
SCO wishes every athlete a safe, successful, and memorable Games.
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The Southern Chiefs’ Organization represents 33 First Nations and more than 90,000 citizens in what is now called southern Manitoba. SCO is an independent political organization that protects, preserves, promotes, and enhances First Nations peoples’ inherent rights, languages, customs, and traditions through the application and implementation of the spirit and intent of the Treaty-making process.
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Email: media@scoinc.mb.ca