Norway House, Manitoba will host the first week of the 2026 Manitoba Indigenous Summer Games from July 8–12, 2026, featuring traditional canoe and York Boat races, a 10,000‑metre foot race and wrestling events designed to honour the community’s heritage.
The Norway House Cree Nation, in partnership with the Manitoba Aboriginal Sports & Recreation Council (MASRC), will oversee competitions organized by Games Manager Edward “Sonny” Albert. Alongside modern sports, organisers plan special celebrations to recognise the area’s historical ties to these heritage events, noting communities will honour historical participation in each discipline.
York Boat racing reflects Norway House’s role as a Hudson’s Bay Company hub, where long York boats were used to carry fur‑trade goods across Lake Winnipeg. As Albert explains, “York boats were emblematic of Norway House” and evoke the endurance of early voyageurs. The 10,000‑metre race will pay tribute to Joseph Benjamin Keeper, a Norway House Cree Nation athlete who competed for Canada at the 1912 Stockholm Olympics and finished fourth in the 10,000 m (Canadian Encyclopedia), while local wrestler Justina Di Stasio, who represented Canada at the 2024 Paris Olympics, will inspire competitors on the mat.
After a 2025 postponement to 2026 due to provincial wildfires, the games are expected to draw more than 4,000 athletes, coaches and officials across two host sites (Norway House Cree Nation and Sagkeeng Anicinabe Nation). Norway House’s Chief and Council have committed venues and volunteer support. Local athletes, community members and sponsors are encouraged to monitor MASRC and Norway House Cree Nation announcements for registration and volunteer information ahead of the July schedule.
