More than 500 athletes, coaches and team personnel from Saskatchewan are heading to Nova Scotia for the North American Indigenous Games, which begin Saturday. It has been a long time coming. A news release from Team Saskatchewan says the 10th edition of the multi-sport games was originally scheduled for 2020, but was cancelled because of the pandemic.

Athletes from 11 to 19 years old are competing in 16 events including archery, baseball, golf, athletics, canoeing and kayaking and rifle shooting. The Games also focus on ensuring participants see and experience cultural events and traditions, so there will be a cultural village to learn more about Mi’kmaq culture and history. The nine-day event begins on Saturday with the competitions beginning on Monday.