Regina hosts 2017 Saskatchewan First Nations Summer Games

Elaine Chicoose says the Saskatchewan First Nations Summer Games arealways important.

But the 2017 games chair says given the recent youth suicide issues plaguing northern communities, the event will take on added significance.

"To excel in a sport, the culture of this event, it's very important for youth, something they can be proud of," saidChicoose. "Helping them in every way possible. I think that's what the Games are intended to do."

Chicoose is a vice-chief with the File Hills Qu'Appelle Tribal Council. She was part of a media conference Monday morning at First Nations University of Canada in Regina.

The Queen City will host the 2017 Saskatchewan First Nations Games, Aug 6-11.Approximately3,000 athletes between ages of 13 to 18 will compete. Sports include archery, athletics, beach volleyball, canoeing, cross country, golf, lacrosse, soccer and softball.

Regina Mayor Michael Fougere says the Games will inject millions of dollars into the city's economy. But he says its cultural impact is equally important.

"We have a large Indigenous population," said Fougere. "This is a showcase of who we are as a people. And that's important."

The logo for the games was inspired by the buffalo, a staple in plains Indigenous culture.