Inter-school Games: getting together to get moving
During the past 15 years, the First Nations Education Council (FNEC) has organized the much-anticipated Inter-school Games. Through this sporting competition, young Indigenous participants can compete against other youths from different communities and Indigenous Nations in Quebec in a variety of sporting events while experiencing the vibrant and energetic pace of campus life.
Over the years, the number of participants in the Inter-school Games has almost quadrupled. The 2023 edition welcomed nearly 1,000 youth from 34 delegations from all 4 corners of Quebec.
"For facility reasons, the Inter-school Games are held at the Université Laval’s Physical Education and Sports Pavilion. As well as getting young people active, the Games provide the opportunity for many to experience university life for the first time. During the event, participants live on campus for several days, gaining an understanding of how accessible the university really is," said David Gill, First Nations Education Council Inter-School Games and Ancestors’ Challenge Coordinator, in an interview.
Photo credit: First Nations Education Council
Inter-school Games are divided into 5 disciplines and spread over 4 days. The youth compete in basketball, volleyball, floor hockey, athletics, and an obstacle course called the Ancestors Challenge.
"During the pandemic, we had to rethink the Inter-school Games in order to be creative while respecting the health crisis. Our team created the Ancestors' Challenge, a course of 12 moving obstacles. With the Ancestors Challenge, we were able to travel to 20 communities in the summer of 2021 and complete the course in the schoolyard." - David Gill
Photo credit: First Nations Education Council
Due to the success of its event, the First Nations Education Council team is able to redesign and improve its offerings each year. Now, participants can enjoy the CHILL ZONE Nouveaux Sentiers, an area numerous kiosks where they can have fun, relax and reenergize while promoting their cultural pride and identity.
To get hundreds of young people moving, the First Nations Education Council received support from Indigenous Services Canada through the Education Partnerships Program and the Aboriginal Diabetes Initiatives program.