Having taken part in the Tony Cote First Nations Summer Games since they were first held 47 years ago, the James Smith Cree Nation will host the multi-sport event for the first time in 2022.
Chief Wally Burns (pictured) made the announcement Wednesday. Over four-thousand athletes will participate in archery, athletics, beach volleyball, canoe/kayak, golf, softball and soccer between July 24-30 at venues in Saskatoon and the Whitecap Dakota First Nation. Following is the news release…..
April 13, 2022
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
James Smith Cree Nation is proud to host the 2022 Tony
Cote First Nations Summer Games.
As SHA restrictions are being lifted this amazing event will welcome over 4,000
First Nation athletes, over six days, July 24-30, 2022.
(SASKATOON, SK)— Chief Wally Burns and James Smith Cree Nation Council has
announced today that with the SHA restrictions lifted in Saskatchewan they confirmed
plans to move ahead to host the 2022 Tony Cote First Nations Summer on July 24-30,
2022. James Smith Cree Nation members have participated in the Saskatchewan First
Nations Games since they began 47 years ago. This is the first time they will be hosting
the Tony Cote Summer Games.
“We believe that the importance of these games deserves our best efforts and it’s time
to raise the bar, recognizing and celebrating the successes and achievements of
Saskatchewan’s First Nation youth,” said Chief Wally Burns, Chief of James Smith Cree
Nation.
The Tony Cote Summer Games 2022 Bid Committee appreciates the support and spirit
of cooperation they have received from, Whitecap Dakota First Nation, Saskatoon Tribal
Council, City of Saskatoon, Prince Albert Grand Council and Tourism Saskatoon.
The relationship we build with the City of Saskatoon and its residents will define the
success of the 2022 Games. James Smith Cree Nation look forward to a journey of
cooperation, partnership and relationship building. It is the goal of Chief Wally Burns
and the James Smith Cree Nation Council to raise the standards of this long running
regional sports event.
The 2022 games will take place in Saskatoon and Whitecap Dakota First Nation. With
first class facilities in both locations for sport & competition, James Smith Cree Nation
will have the access to balance the social & cultural ways of the people. The Athletes
Village will be located at Whitecap Dakota First Nation, Highway #219, Whitecap Trail,
20 minutes south of Saskatoon along with majority of sports played in Saskatoon at the
Gordie Howe Sports Complex and other complexes around the city.
Over 4,000 athletes will participate in seven events: Archery, Athletics, Beach
Volleyball, Canoe/Kayak, Golf, Softball, and Soccer. The participation of teams will take
place in the city in two waves over the six days of competition.
The week leading up to the 2022 games, July 18-24, 2022, a 7-day lance run will take
place as runners will run from Flying Dust First Nation and James Smith Cree Nation to
the opening ceremony and the sacred fire at the Ceremonial tipi at the Athletes Camp.
About the games:
The Tony Cote Winter/Summer Games formerly known as the Saskatchewan First
Nation Winter/Summer Games was initiated in 1974 by Chief Tony Cote and the
Council of the Cote First Nation and their membership. The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations have honored this valuable legacy for 47 years. Cote founded
Saskatchewan’s summer and winter games for First Nations youth. Saskatchewan
sporting legend Tony Cote, who is credited with increasing First Nations athlete
participation across the province, died on July 31, 2019, at the age of eighty-four.
Just a few weeks before his death, Cote attended the Flying Dust First Nation 2019
Tony Cote Summer Games. The James Smith Cree Nation wish to honour the memory
of the founder of the Saskatchewan First Nations Games. Tony Cote gifted us the
Summer and Winter Games, a legacy that will continue to enrich the lives of the children
yet to come.
