DR. BRIAN SEAMAN TO CHAIR MEDICAL SERVICES FOR THE NORTH AMERICAN INDIGENOUS GAMES

As an experienced chiropractic sports specialist, Dr. Brian Seaman (Class of '82) was hand picked by the Chief Medical Officer of Nova Scotia to Chair Medical Services for the North American Indigenous Games (NAIG), taking place July 2023.

NAIG, says Seaman, will be the biggest multi-sport event that has ever taken place in Nova Scotia. “It includes 16 sports, 22 venues and over 5,500 athletes over the span of a week. By way of comparison, the 2011 Canada Winter Games, the second largest multi-sport event hosted 3,200 athletes over two weeks.” The Chair Medical Services for that event as well, Seaman has that experience to draw on as he puts together his team and organizes for NAIG.

The Canada Winter Games was also a volunteer commitment for Seaman, and involved over 2,200 hours and 275 meetings held over two and a half years. It is a labour of love for Seaman, the first chiropractor to hold the position for each of the events. The significance is not lost on him and may be something he also draws on as he recruits volunteers, orders supplies and puts his time into the numerous meetings necessary to prepare for a successful event. “My role is to keep these athletes out of the health care system. We want to save the government up to $15 million in services through what we are setting up.”

The games themselves are similar to the Canada Winter Games in terms of the competitions but with some unique additions such as 3-D Archery, Rifle Shooting and Lacrosse. “NAIG is essentially the Canada Winter Games but for Indigenous youth,” says Seaman. “Most of the athletes are Canadian, about 10 per cent come from the US and a few may join us from Mexico. Many of the athletes are coming from rural locations. Keeping the games COVIDfree and containing any outbreaks is paramount alongside providing care for injured athletes.”

Seaman hopes that his position with the games will open the eyes of the government officials involved, showcasing the profession and opening the doors for other chiropractors to seize opportunities to set up and oversee host medical systems.