The squeak of sneakers echoes through the Saville Community Sports Centre as Indigenous basketball players race across the shiny hardwood floor. Their reflections flash beneath them, as they battle for every possession, radiating teenage joy. Across the backs of the boys’ jerseys are names like Buffalo, Rain, Eagle and Northwest. Nobody eases up. They all look like they are ready to win this game.
The bursts of spontaneous applause multiply with each basket, and wide-eyed family members hold their phones high from the sidelines.
On another court, a girls’ team named the Syilx claps in unison, chanting “Defence!” and pouring their effort into cheering each other on. Every game carries the same intensity.
The energy level is typical for the 2026 Alberta Indigenous Games.
Running from Aug. 7 to 15 at various venues across Edmonton, the games have brought together thousands of First Nations, Métis and Inuit athletes between the ages of five and 21 to compete in 16 sports, from basketball and volleyball to canoe/kayak, lacrosse and hand games. Teams and athletes come from across Alberta and beyond, some from as far away as Ontario and the U.S.
The week of the games began with an opening ceremony at the Edmonton Expo Centre, where athletes proudly marched into the arena carrying signs representing their Nations, waving flags and holding banners representing their community teams. Drummers, traditional dancers and Métis performers welcomed competitors.
The Alberta Indigenous Games have grown into the largest Indigenous summer games in North America. More than 150 Indigenous communities are represented this year, with competitions taking place from morning until evening. All events are free to attend.
While medals are on the line, the games are as much about community as they are about sport.
The organization’s philosophy is ‘in the spirit of our youth,’ Jacob Hendy says. He has been CEO for the games since 2016. “We celebrate what it means to be Indigenous, celebrate who they are,” says Hendy.
The games bring together families, communities and cultures while celebrating Indigenous pride and resilience.
Talitah Crowfoot has been part of the games since she was eight years old, when she started out folding t-shirts and organizing event materials. Today, the 18-year-old serves as the games’ registrations, payments and sport co-ordinator, describing her role as “a little bit of everything.”
Crowfoot says the Alberta Indigenous Games have been part of her life for as long as she can remember.
“Sports is like a medicine game, it heals you,” she says. This year she is most excited to see the basketball teams play. “In Indigenous communities, it gets very competitive with basketball,” she adds.
That is evident inside the gym.
Players crash to the floor before quickly getting back up. Teammates exchange low hand slaps, sweat dripping down their temples. Many participants say the games allow them to simply be themselves while playing the sports they love.
For 14-year-old volleyball player Shalena Waskahat of Frog Lake, now competing in her third Alberta Indigenous Games, the event offers something many tournaments cannot.
“Everyone represents where they come from and who they are, they’re not afraid to share it,” she says.
“It feels different because we all understand each other and we’re all Indigenous,” Waskahat shares.
Whether Edmontonians stop by for basketball, volleyball, athletics or one of the games’ traditional Indigenous sports, Hendy hopes they leave with more than memories of great competition. He hopes they leave with a greater appreciation for Indigenous communities and the positive impact of sport.
Alberta Indigenous Games | Events take place in various locations. Find the schedule for the tournaments at albertaindigenousgames.com
