Club Mtg: Brendon Smithson - NAIG 2020

July 12-19, the 2020 North American Indigenous Games (NAIG 2020) will be held Kjipuktuk (Halifax) and Millbrook First Nation. NAIG 2020 are an amazing Mawio’mi (gathering of people) here in Mi’kmaki (Mi’kmaw Territory). 5,000 participants will join us from across North America and compete in 16 sports. Thousands of visitors will experience a cultural celebration and village at the Halifax Commons which includes dance, songs, music, games, art and teachings. New friendships will be created amongst the athletes, coaches, officials, partners and over 3,000 volunteers from Nova Scotia. 

Friends Made, Games Played, Culture Shared. 

Brendon Smithson is the Executive Director of Games Delivery for NAIG 2020. Brendon begin his career in municipal recreation, working in St. Mary’s and Bible Hill. In 2014, Brendon won the Recreation Nova Scotia Innovation Award for his youth program Trailblazers.  Before NAIG, Brendon worked for the Province of Nova Scotia, with his primary work supporting Mi’kmaw communities in the development of sport, recreation and physical activity within the communities.  When asked about his work, he says “best job in the world, I get paid to make people smile”. Outside of work, Brendon volunteers in the lacrosse community.  Brendon has been everything from a coach to board member.  He has coached Team Mi’kmaw Nova Scotia twice at the North American Indigenous Games and most recently the coach of the Mi’kmaq Junior A Warriors - the only Indigenous team in Atlantic Canada.  He received the Lacrosse Nova Scotia Volunteer of the Year in 2012 and an eagle feather from Millbrook First Nation.  Brendon has a passion for giving back to his community and increasing opportunities for youth to be active while making everyone smile.

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We are a diverse and welcoming group, and we’d be honoured if you joined us.  Consider this your invitation!  Come a little early even… People start arriving around 7am for coffee/tea and good conversation. 

To keep our meetings flexible and affordable, we offer 3 choices to cover meeting room and meal costs:

A.  $5 for the meeting, including coffee and tea; 
B.  $10 for 'A', plus a Breakfast Sandwich or Yogurt Parfait; or
C.  $18 for 'A', plus the Full Buffet from Elements. 

If you need any additional information, please email halifaxharbourside@gmail.com