Malaysian-born Saint Mary's University student takes on culture lead for NAIG 2023
CBC Communications | Posted: June 15, 2023 7:10 PM | Last Updated: June 15, 2023
Volunteer role shapes personal growth, new skills and perspectives at Indigenous Games
Esther Tong Yi Zhen recently moved to Halifax from Malaysia to study at Saint Mary's University. She quickly became interested in Indigenous culture, which helped land her a volunteer role as culture lead for the North American Indigenous Games.
Why did you choose to become culture lead?
"When I arrived in Canada in September 2022, I learned about the history of the Mi'kmaq people and I felt a sense of closeness. While I am not Indigenous myself, I grew up alongside Indigenous people in my state in Malaysia and I believe in advocating for the wellbeing of Indigenous communities."
What are you most excited about in your role as a volunteer with NAIG?
"I am eager to meet the participants from across Turtle Island and can't wait to learn about Indigenous history, tradition and culture from people living coast to coast to coast."
Why did you choose to become culture lead?
"When I arrived in Canada in September 2022, I learned about the history of the Mi'kmaq people and I felt a sense of closeness. While I am not Indigenous myself, I grew up alongside Indigenous people in my state in Malaysia and I believe in advocating for the wellbeing of Indigenous communities."
What are you most excited about in your role as a volunteer with NAIG?
"I am eager to meet the participants from across Turtle Island and can't wait to learn about Indigenous history, tradition and culture from people living coast to coast to coast."
Is your time with NAIG teaching you anything you would like to share?
"The cultural awareness training and volunteering at the NAIG center to do the medicine ties has been very fulfilling and eye opening. In the cultural awareness training, I learned about Indigenous culture and history, and gained a deeper understanding of the significance of sports and physical activity linked with culture."
What is one word that best describes your experience as a volunteer with NAIG?
"Amazeballs."
I am honoured and humbled to be part of this huge event and I love how the entire NAIG team is inclusive, supportive and friendly. Even though I am almost 10,000 miles away from home, there is a sense of belonging and they make you feel right at home. I am truly grateful.
- Esther Tong Yi Zhen
Is there something you'd like to share about your childhood?
"I used to live in Borneo, one of the oldest islands in the world, which provided exposure to a rich heritage and history. I grew up in a durian orchard surrounded by nature. I remember my childhood fondly, with afternoons spent climbing trees, playing in the mud and waiting for the durian to drop from the trees and selling them in the market with my parents.
"I used to live in Borneo, one of the oldest islands in the world, which provided exposure to a rich heritage and history. I grew up in a durian orchard surrounded by nature. I remember my childhood fondly, with afternoons spent climbing trees, playing in the mud and waiting for the durian to drop from the trees and selling them in the market with my parents.
NAIG 2023 Volunteer Spotlight Series
Throughout National Indigenous History Month, CBC Atlantic is shining the spotlight on some of the incredible people – Indigenous and non-Indigenous – who are volunteering their time and talents to help North American Indigenous Games (NAIG) welcome more than 5,000 athletes from across Turtle Island to Mi'kma'ki. Through their acts of kindness, the series will help inspire others to see themselves as part of the Games and to share cultural learnings.
About the 2023 North American Indigenous Games
When: July 15-23
Where: Kjipuktuk (Halifax), Dartmouth and Millbrook First Nation
Number of Sports: 16
Number of athletes, coaches, team staff: 5,000
Number of volunteers: 3,000+
Number of volunteer hours: 60,000+
Number of Indigenous Nations attending the Games: 756
Where: Kjipuktuk (Halifax), Dartmouth and Millbrook First Nation
Number of Sports: 16
Number of athletes, coaches, team staff: 5,000
Number of volunteers: 3,000+
Number of volunteer hours: 60,000+
Number of Indigenous Nations attending the Games: 756
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