Eugene and Lorna Arcand honoured for work with NAIG
- Jeanelle Mandes | July 23, 2014
Lorna and Eugene Arcand were recognized with a tribute at the Kirby Littletent Memorial Cultural Village for their continuous dedication and support that they have for the North American Indigenous Games (NAIG). They were presented with a star blanket from the CEO of NAIG, Ron Crowe.
Lorna says she was overwhelmed to be recognized for something they love to do.
"We love to work with children to help them prepare for their futures. To be honoured for it, I can't find the words," she says.
"We were told that they were going to be recognized us this time but we wanted to make sure that the people who helped us all through these years also got recognized because something like this, no one can do alone. We need a community and that was a part of the plan for the Indigenous Games to bring our community together," she adds.
Lorna is excited that NAIG is held in Saskatchewan once again; the last time the province hosted the games were back in 1993 in Prince Albert.
"No region is allowed have it within a 10 year span. Twenty years later, we have it back again. I'm so happy; it gives an opportunity for all of our people to experience what we enjoyed over the years."
Her husband, Eugene, was very happy also when they learned they were going to be recognized for all their efforts and participation with NAIG.
"Lorna and I have talked about this journey of sport and culture. But what we have done, we couldn't have accomplished without our support from our family and friends," he says. "It's a heart pounding, humbling experience. I'm also thankful that the games did come back so that the southern part of the province could experience being hosts," he adds.
He says it is encouraging to see the Indigenous people grow but he'd like to see more growth. He describes the games as necessary building blocks towards any type of truth and reconciliation to heal the communities.
Lorna took the time to remind the crowd of the dream of NAIG which she describes as an opportunity to provide a positive forum for the children so they would learn skills theyd need to succeed in society.
"We hope that the North American Indigenous Games will continue with or without any break in the momentum that we built over the last few years. Our children continue to experience the negative ills of society. So it only shows us that we have to continue this and provide this positive opportunity," says Lorna.
Eugene ended his speech by thanking the most influential person that stood by his side, his wife.
"I'd like to thank Lorna for her patience with this old guy. She's been my rock and I've been her big heavy stone," he joked.
He says the Indigenous Games is a once in a lifetime experience and some people were lucky enough to experience NAIG twice in a lifetime.
Eugene and Lorna sat as the chairpersons when the games came to Prince Albert two decades ago.