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By Sandra Crowfoot
Windspeaker.com Contributor
Debbie Gladue, Stephanie Harpe, and Cindy Paul marked the end of the 2017 World Indigenous Nations Games by singing the official WIN Games song “A Warrior’s Call” for closing ceremonies July 9. The song brought in the participants of grand entry.
Following behind the WIN Games banner during grand entry was Grand Chief Wilton Littlechild, Chief William Morin of the Enoch Cree Nation, and Chief Irvin Bull of the Louis Bull First Nation.
Two-time Olympic Bronze medallist Clara Hughes helped co-emcee the Closing Ceremony with Jason Goodstriker.
After the athletes entered the arbor, and after the opening prayer by Elder Charles E. Wood, Christina Hollingworth sang the Canadian national anthem in Cree.
Then Chief William Morin thanked everyone involved for making the games a success.
Grand Chief Littlechild thanked the athletes that travelled from all over the world. This was followed with a cultural performance by the Maori of New Zealand, including a performance of the much-loved Haka.
Treaty Six dancers then performed a Cree Sneak-Up dance, after which both the Maori and Treaty 6 dancers danced together.
This was followed by cultural performances from Panama and Brazil.
WIN Games medals were presented to the winning competitors in Archery, Spear Throwing, Soccer, Lacrosse, Basketball, Canoeing, Swimming, Tug of Strength, Foot Races, Indian Horse Relay Racing, Horse Racing, and Rodeo.
Hermilo Garcia Carrillo, a Tarahumara runner from the Chihuahua State in Northern Mexico, placed first in the cross-country race. Hermilo is hoping to compete in the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, Japan.
Andres Garcia Carrillo, a Tarahumara runner from the Chihuahua State in Northern Mexico, placed second in that race. The medal was awarded by Canadian Olympian Steve Collins.
After the medals were awarded, Grand Chief Littlechild made an announcement. In his hands he held a cedar box containing the ashes from the sacred fires in Enoch, Alexis, and Maskwacis.
He explained that the ashes from these games would be shared at the site of the next World Indigenous Nations Games, forever linking the the 2017 games to the host of the next games.
The games ended with an encore performance of “A Warrior’s Call” and the athletes exited the arbor as the Logan Alexis singers and Enoch’s River Cree Singers sang together.
The Warrior’s Call
The very talented Stephanie Harpe answered the call when asked to pen the theme song for the World Indigenous Nations (WIN) Games 2017.
Joined by an impressive lineup of singers and musicians, Harpe debuted the song July 3 at Ermineskin Bear Park during the WIN Games opening ceremonies to a crowd of more than 3,000 spectators, Indigenous athletes and the world.
The song was aptly named ‘A Warrior’s Call,’ and everyone was completely wowed by the song and the performance, reads a press statement from games organizers.
Harpe, joined by Cindy Paul and Debbie Houle of Asani, performed the song again to close out the ceremonies for the WIN Games at Enoch Cree Nation on July 9.
“Congratulations to all the athletes who heeded the ‘warriors call’ and came to represent their nations at the second World Indigenous Nations Games 2017, and special thanks to Stephanie Harpe for capturing the essence of the Games in song,” said Littlechild, Confederacy of Treaty Six First Nations and WIN Games Ambassador.
“The song will forever be a part of the legacy of the World Indigenous Nations Games,” concluded Littlechild.
Listen to ‘A Warrior’s Call’ below (courtesy of APTN, the host broadcaster of the WIN Games).
Statement from Grand Chief Wilton Littlechild on the Closing of the World Indigenous Nations Games 2017
“On behalf of the organizers for the World Indigenous Nations (WIN) Games 2017, I would like to thank the Indigenous athletes of the world, coaches and spectators for attending the 2nd WIN Games here in Treaty 6 Territory. Over 1600 athletes from around the world came together in Treaty No. Territory for a celebration of sport and traditional Indigenous games during the week of July 2 – 9th, 2017, and provided the unique opportunity for Indigenous Peoples to present to the world, their centuries old traditional games, sports and cultures while reinvigorating passion and pride for sport, traditions, and culture in Indigenous Peoples.
“I would also like to express on behalf of myself and organizers, our heartfelt gratitude to the leaders and band members of Samson Cree Nation, Ermineskin Cree Nation, Louis Bull Tribe, Montana Band, Enoch Cree Nation, and Alexis Nakota Sioux for opening up their hearts and community to the World Indigenous Nations Games 2017.
“We are very thankful for the support of these Nations. When everyone else said no, the First Nations stepped up and said yes to the healing power of traditional sport, recognizing its long-term impact on the physical, mental, emotional and most importantly the spiritual aspects of our being.
“The spirit of sharing, caring and cooperation was very evident in the Treaty No. 6 First Nations Territory. The First Nations of Enoch and Samson Cree Nation have been hosts for the Athletes Villages. Samson hosted the Opening Ceremonies, which drew an estimated 5000 people, and was also host to the International Indigenous Youth Conference. Ermineskin Cree Nation hosted the Basketball Tournament, Indian Horse Relay and Rodeo this week. Louis Bull Tribe played host to the 10km Men’s and Women’s Foot Races, with the famous Tarahumara runners from Mexico taking first and second. The Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation hosted the exciting Canoe Races, which Panama swept. Many members of Montana Band have also stepped forward in an organizational and volunteer capacity. The City of Wetaskiwin also donated the use of the Manluk Industries field for the soccer tournament. Today, Enoch Cree Nation hosted the Closing Ceremonies.
“The organizers encountered many obstacles but remained committed to ensuring the Games happened. The official planning for the Games in Treaty No. 6 Territory did not being until late January of 2017, and focused on coordinating international and national delegations, securing funding, and helping some athletes overcome visa requirements.
"The initial plan to have all the athletes and games at one venue fell through just two weeks before the Games were set to begin. Major funding from the Government of Canada was not committed until July 3rd, 2017, the date of the opening ceremonies. This compelled organizers to reach out to the First Nations communities to take on a major role as hosts and they stepped up with only two weeks to prepare. The move however created another set of logistical issues, which organizers worked hard at addressing.
“The contributions from organizers and volunteers cannot be measured. Along with the athletes they have endured unusually high temperatures, rescheduling of events, and everyone kept long hours to ensure the needs of the athletes were met and venues were ready for competition. There was a lot of work happening behind the scenes once government funding was confirmed.
“The organizers would also like to thank the many other contributors who provided funding and in-kind support. The support from our sponsors was very much appreciated. They believed in what we were setting out to achieve and for that we are extremely grateful.
“Despite adversity, the World Indigenous Nations Games 2017 did what it set out to do, promote peace, diversity and reconciliation and is instilling passion and pride for sport, traditions, and culture in Indigenous Peoples around the world.”
The organization responsible for hosting the World Indigenous Nations (WIN) Games 2017 is WIN Sport International, a recognized non-governmental organization (NGO) with the United Nations (UN). The United Nations (UN) and the Organization of American States (OAS) and international sport organizations have been providing international recognition and promotion of the WIN Games.
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