EISRA Announces Dates and Location for the 2026 Eeyou Istchee Summer Games
- EISRA Communications
- Jan 22
- 3 min read
CHISASIBI, Eeyou Istchee (January 22, 2026) -- The Eeyou Istchee Sports and Recreation Association (EISRA) and its partners, the Cree Nation Government, Cree Nation Youth Council, Cree Board of Health and Social Services of James Bay, Cree Native Arts and Crafts Association, Cree School Board, and the Cree Nation of Chisasibi are pleased to announce the return of the Eeyou Istchee Summer Games (EISG), scheduled for July 20-25, 2026.
Hosted by the Cree Nation of Chisasibi, this regional multi-sport event promises an exciting week of competition, culture, and community. The Games will feature over 40 athletic events for youth aged 9 to 18, including track and field, individual and team events, aquatics, and canoeing. A lineup of cultural celebrations, workshops, and traditional Cree games will be woven throughout the games, immersing youth in a vibrant, supportive, and culturally rich environment.
EISRA will once again lead the planning of the EISG, guided by a Steering Committee composed of representatives from the partner organizations and the host community. The Steering Committee will be led by three Co-Chairpersons: Diana Shashaweskum, President of EISRA; Jade Mukash, Youth Grand Chief; and Darius Neacappo-Pelchat, Deputy Youth Grand Chief.
Local tryouts and registration will be organized by local Sports and Recreation Departments in the coming weeks. Community members can expect further information, including a full list of competitions and events, as the planning unfolds.
To receive updates about the Eeyou Istchee Summer Games, please follow us on social media or subscribe to our mailing list at creegames.ca
Quotes:
“Organizing the last Eeyou Istchee Summer Games was an incredible success, after being absent from the calendar for 13 years. We are excited to build on these accomplishments going into the next Summer Games, and to apply new ideas and lessons to ensure youth have a truly incredible experience in 2026.”
Diana Shashaweskum, President of EISRA/Eeyou Istchee Summer Games Co-Chairperson
“The Eeyou Istchee Summer Games is so much more than a sports tournament for Cree youth. Our culture, history, and even our legends are filled with friendly competitions and physical feats, and the Eeyou Istchee Summer Games give youth an opportunity to experience these rich traditions. Last year, I attended the event as an artist and saw how the event gave youth a sense of community, belonging, identity, and achievement. From the moment they arrive, youth are surrounded by cultural exhibits, community spirit, and a whole Nation of people cheering them on.”
Jade Mukash, Youth Grand Chief/Eeyou Istchee Summer Games Co-Chairperson
"The Eeyou Istchee Summer Games remind us that our youth carry strength, resilience, and pride in everything that they do. We come together to share our culture, our spirit, and our unity. We celebrate our youth's athleticism, support one another, and compete with respect. Community wellness is the foundation of our future. When we invest in the physical, mental, emotional and cultural well-being of our people, we raise confident youth, strong leaders and a healthy community. We continue to grow together."
Darius Neacappo-Pelchat, Deputy Youth Grand Chief/Eeyou Istchee Summer Games Co-Chairperson
“The community of Chisasibi is thrilled to be hosting the next Eeyou Istchee Summer Games. In 2024, it was such a joy to watch the livestream, cheer on our youth, and hear about the amazing experience they shared. We are so thankful for the wonderful welcome and hospitality that the community of Mistissini showed our youth at the last Summer Games, and can't wait to welcome Eeyou Istchee’s young athletes to our community in 2026 for an incredible week of competition, culture, and community.”
Daisy House, Chief of Chisasibi
For Media Inquiries, Please Contact:
EISRA Chairperson Diana Shashaweskum
Youth Grand Chief Jade Mukash & Deputy Youth Grand Chief Darius Neacappo-Pelchat