HALIFAX, Nova Scotia – While many of her peers were spending their summer vacation lounging at the lake or hanging out at home, Houlton’s Ella Bither was busy competing against Native American athletes from 756 Indigenous Nations.
A participant in the 2023 North American Indigenous Games back in July, Bither put her paddling skills to the test competing in several canoeing events at the NAIG in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
The 13-year-old daughter of Jeremy Bither and Alex London of Houlton, Ella Bither said she found out about the Indigenous Games through her uncle, John Neptune.
“I had to prove to my uncle that I was able to compete,” she said. “In 2019 I went to White Water National (in Charlotte, North Carolina), which piqued my love for canoeing.”
The NAIG helps Indigenous athletes realize the collective potential of our bodies, minds, spirit and of our people – our hopes and dreams – the spirit strong, brave and true. Its mission is to improve the quality of life for Indigenous Peoples by supporting self-determined sports and cultural activities which encourage equal access to participation in the social/cultural/spiritual fabric of the community in which they reside and which respects Indigenous distinctiveness.
The Games bring together 756 Indigenous Nations to celebrate, share and reconnect through sport and culture in Kjipuktuk (Halifax), Dartmouth and Millbrook First Nation.
A seventh-grader, Bither placed fifth in her favorite event, the 1,000-meter race.
“Overall, my experience was great,” she said. “I wish it was longer and done yearly, rather than just one every four years. I feel this experience can be life-changing and give people new opportunities.”
Bither did not rule out competing in the next NAIG, slated for 2027. In her spare time, Ella enjoys basketball, soccer, running, canoeing and traditional activities.
