This 19-foot-long traditional birch Mi'kmaw canoe was built by Todd Labrador (Photo by Joe Thomson).

The 2023 North American Indigenous Games are only a week away and they’re sure to bring some excitement with them.

Today, the Community Canoe Relay made it’s final stop leading up to the games. The canoe has been travelling across the province, stopping at 13 different Mi’kmaw communities in the 19-foot long traditional birch canoe made by Todd Labrador.

Today’s stop with in K’jipuktuk, the Mi’kmaw name for Halifax. K’jipuktuk roughly translates to “The Great Harbour” which is fitting as today’s stop and accompanying ceremony took place at the Queen’s Marque overlooking the harbour.

The event featured a traditional water ceremony led and blessed by a Mi’kmaw elder. It also featured games and other cultural displays such as songs and dances.

A Mi’kmaw elder leads a water ceremony at the final stop of the Community Canoe Relay (Photo by Joe Thomson).

The North American Indigenous Games officially kick-off on July 15. It will be the largest sporting event ever held in Halifax.