Volunteer opportunity offers cultural learning experience for Dartmouth senior
CBC Communications | Posted: June 29, 2023 5:43 PM | Last Updated: June 29, 2023
For the last decade, Andy During describes himself as a "senior citizen," but believes staying physically and mentally active helps keep him young.
An avid sailor, skier and runner, During has kept busy over the last 20 years by volunteering, most recently with the North American Indigenous Games.
What is your volunteer role with NAIG?
"I've participated in a number of cultural awareness events, I've been heavily involved in the recruitment of new volunteers, and I've helped with tracking inventory for sports equipment. I am willing to do whatever is needed whenever I have time. I just took on a role in transportation during the Games, which usually means acting as chauffeur for NAIG personnel and officials including dignitaries, referees, umpires, judges, coaches and athletes."
Is your time with NAIG teaching you anything you would like to share?
"I was accepted as a volunteer for NAIG in 2020 and because of my connection to the Games, I've taken the initiative to further my knowledge and understanding of Indigenous culture and history. I completed the Indigenous Canada course at the University of Alberta. I also read We Were Not the Savages by the late Dan Paul, Mi'kmaw elder, activist, historian and author. This book gives an Indigenous perspective of what happened when North America was settled by the Europeans."
An avid sailor, skier and runner, During has kept busy over the last 20 years by volunteering, most recently with the North American Indigenous Games.
What is your volunteer role with NAIG?
"I've participated in a number of cultural awareness events, I've been heavily involved in the recruitment of new volunteers, and I've helped with tracking inventory for sports equipment. I am willing to do whatever is needed whenever I have time. I just took on a role in transportation during the Games, which usually means acting as chauffeur for NAIG personnel and officials including dignitaries, referees, umpires, judges, coaches and athletes."
Is your time with NAIG teaching you anything you would like to share?
"I was accepted as a volunteer for NAIG in 2020 and because of my connection to the Games, I've taken the initiative to further my knowledge and understanding of Indigenous culture and history. I completed the Indigenous Canada course at the University of Alberta. I also read We Were Not the Savages by the late Dan Paul, Mi'kmaw elder, activist, historian and author. This book gives an Indigenous perspective of what happened when North America was settled by the Europeans."
I will remember all the new people I've met, the size and scale of the event, and the enthusiasm of the athletes.- Andy During
What do you think you'll remember most after the Games?
"I will remember all the new people I've met, the size and scale of the event,and the enthusiasm of the athletes."
What would you like other people to know about NAIG?
"NAIG is a mammoth event that is going to bring positive exposure to our province with teams coming from all over North America and numerous cultures coming together. The Games would not be possible without the volunteers and volunteering is a very meaningful and rewarding experience."
Have you ever volunteered for an event before?
"I started volunteering in the community when I stopped traveling for work. My wife and I help prepare meals monthly for Margaret's House–Feeding Others of Dartmouth. I've volunteered with organizations and events such as Feed Nova Scotia, Tall Ships Nova Scotia, World Volleyball championships, the East Coast Music Awards, and many running events. I really enjoy encouraging runners during races as a course marshall and am on the organizing committee for the Dartmouth Natal Day Run."
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.
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 NAIG 2023
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
MORE FROM THE SPOTLIGHT SERIES:
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
MORE FROM THE SPOTLIGHT SERIES:
- Volunteering helps Dykstra embrace her Mi'kmaw culture
- Malaysian-born Saint Mary's University student takes on culture lead for NAIG 2023
- Volunteer Rivest describes role with NAIG as a once in a lifetime opportunity
- Volunteer Fontaine gives back to the next generation of aspiring Indigenous athletes