Fast Pitch Slow Ball Player at the 2026 Alberta Indigenous Games (Photo Credits - Daniel Barker-Tremblay)
Around 7,000 Indigenous youth athletes are gathering in Edmonton over the next nine days to take part in sport, culture and community at the 2026 Alberta Indigenous Games.
650 teams from Alberta, Canada and the United States are competing in 16 sports throughout venues in the Edmonton region. With coaches, chaperones and officials, over 9,000 participants are expected to take part in the Games. Competitions will go until August 15.
Jacob Hendy, CEO of Alberta Indigenous Games tells CFWE it’s special that the AIG team and communities built ways for youth to practice, and connect to bring themselves to compete in the AIG while representing their own communities and taking advantage of the spaces for youth athletes to grow.
Arianne Jerry, Basketball Player from Siksika speaks says she feels represented being a part of this years AIG Basketball tournament, and is hopeful that her teammates feel the same along with growing in the AIG space.
The Opening Ceremonies are taking place at the Edmonton Expo Centre on August 7th from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., and will feature an Eagle Staff Run and Parade of Nations.
The 2026 Alberta Indigenous Games are projected to bring an estimated $28.5 million in total economic impact for the province, including increased visitor spending at businesses, hotels and restaurants.
The Games are one of Edmonton’s largest annual sporting and cultural event, as the economic contribution is comparable to K-Days and the Canadian Finals Rodeo.
You can find the schedule for the Games, here.
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