Image | Christena Dykstra

Caption: Christena Dykstra is a volunteer venue lead for 3D archery at the 2023 North American Indigenous Games. (Aaron Googoo/Googoo Design - Photography by Robert Short/CBC)

Load Image

Christena Dykstra has been heavily involved in sport, community and the North American Indigenous Games (NAIG) for most of her life. It was only fitting that she hold a lead volunteer role for this year's Games taking place in her home province.

She is the daughter of Debbie and the late Arnold Dykstra, a member of Pictou Landing First Nation, and proudly embraces both her Dutch and Mi'kmaw culture. You'll often see her out and about at community events and with family, spending time with her husband and son fishing is one of her favourite pastimes.

What is your volunteer role with NAIG?
"I am the venue lead for 3D Archery which uses three-dimensional animal targets and creates a course with unique shooting angles and challenges. It's being hosted in Millbrook First Nation where I am currently the Manager of Parks, Recreation & Youth. It feels like this role chose me."

What would you like other people to know about NAIG?
"Some athletes are leaving their communities for the first time, getting on plane for the very first time, or being away from their loved ones for the first time. We are so happy you are here."

Is your time with NAIG teaching you anything you would like to share?
"As someone who didn't grow up around my culture, I have been learning new words, phrases and traditions from staff, volunteers and communities."

What other connections do you have to the Games?
"I have been volunteering at NAIG since 2013, as Head Coach for Team Mi'kmaw, Nova Scotia's athletics team for the 2014 and 2017 Games, and as an athlete for Team Mi'kmaw Nova Scotia in the 2006 and 2008 Games for basketball and athletics, respectively.

Is there anything else you would like to share?
"It has been a wonderful, full circle experience. Starting as an athlete, moving onto a coaching role, and now supporting the Host Society in a venue lead volunteer role, I am grateful for this experience and I am inspired by my fellow volunteers coming out to support our communities and our youth. Wela'lioq (thank you) for your commitment and your efforts."

What is one word that best describes your experience as a volunteer with NAIG?
"Inspiring."

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.

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