The official medals and the names of the symbols were revealed this week at an announcement made by the 2014 North American Indigenous Games (NAIG) Host Society in Regina. 

The announcement started off with a drum song sung by Teddy Bison, which he came up with in honour of NAIG coming to Regina on July 20 to 27. 

"What that song means the people are proud of your success, you're strong like warriors," said Bison. 

There were many guest speakers that followed Bison's introductory song. NAIG CEO Ron Crowe introduced the Saskatchewan First Nation Community Development Corporation (CDC) Association will be the sponsors of the medals for this year's games. 

"You can't say enough about our sponsor's Saskatchewan First Nation CDC Association stepping up and helping us with those medals. They're just beautiful medals," said Crowe. 

Crowe said the medals not only recognize achievement but they also acknowledge all the young people taking part of this year's games. 

Saskatchewan First Nation CDC Association Chair, Stan Bobb, said these games represent more than just competition but also showcasing the youth's strive for success. 

"I can feel the excitement in the room and indeed the excitement comes from all the province," said Bobb. 

"We're proud to be a part of this, the last games held in Saskatchewan was in 1993 in Prince Albert. Team Saskatchewan (did) a wonderful job and I'm sure we can expect the same. As the motto says, 'Raising the Bar,' let's all do that together,” said Bobb. 

The medals were designed by a Regina company Laurie Artiss - The Pin People who are the official supplier of medals for this year's NAIG. 

The other announcement was made by elder Tony Cote who introduced the NAIG symbols. NAIG clarified using the term symbols as opposed to using mascots in respect to the sacredness of the buffalo. After the NAIG Host Society consulted with the Treaty 4 Elders, a decision was made upon the NAIG symbols. The two buffalo symbols were announced as The Gathering of the Buffalo Children. 

NAIG volunteer ambassador, Cassandra Wajunta-Opikokew, spoke about the need of gathering more volunteers. 

"We're calling on the city of Regina and area to come out and show us why Saskatchewan is truly the volunteer capital of Canada. We need both French and English speaking volunteers," says Wajunta-Opikokew. 

For further information about volunteering or any other information about NAIG, visit their website. 

Be sure to check out more NAIG athlete profiles on our Interviews or Sports page. 

For more photos of the announcement, check out our photo gallery.