Akwesasne Soccer Players Participate in World Indigenous Games in Brazil

Eight months before the start of the 2016 Olympics, another type of international games kicked off in Brazil. It's the first-ever World Indigenous Games where some 24 Brazilian ethnicities and indigenous groups from dozens of countries from as far away as Mongolia are competing. On October 23, 2015, Brazil opened their door for the first time ever to include indigenous teams from around the world to join in their Indigenous Games. Indigenous teams from 23 countries are competing in a range of traditional disciplines ranging from bow and arrow to tug of war and canoeing to more contemporary "football", soccer games. Beyond the sports, the event is a moment for cultural interaction between all walks of life from around the globe.

Akwesasne and Kahnawake are well represented on the NIFA –Team Canada by Amber Cook, Jenna Thompson (parents; Anna and Eli Thompson), Taylor Francis (parents; Perry and Karen Francis) and Iakokwenienstha Porter (parents; Henness and Sherri Porter). Along with Lylee Horn, Journey Jacobs, Farrah Csokasy, Iakothahison Delaronde, Paxton Kahentaiesen Phillips, Jadyn Nicholas Lauder, Rachel Leborgne, Kahentanoron Diabo from Kahnawake.

The World Indigenous Games will continue until Sunday, November 1, 2015.