Latest news with #AboriginalSportCircle
Cision Canada
3 days ago
- Sport
- Cision Canada
Secretary of State Adam van Koeverden announces funding opportunities for sport projects that promote social development in Indigenous communities Français
The Government of Canada is now accepting funding applications for projects across the country through the Sport for Social Development in Indigenous Communities program GATINEAU, QC, Aug. 13, 2025 /CNW/ - Sport plays a vital role in building strong and healthy communities. The Government of Canada is committed to supporting First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities in accessing and benefitting from sport programs. Today, the Honourable Adam van Koeverden, Secretary of State (Sport), announced the launch of a funding opportunity under the Sport for Social Development in Indigenous Communities (SSDIC) program. The SSDIC program supports Indigenous Peoples in their efforts to be more active and healthier and helps them connect with culturally relevant physical activity. Funded projects are designed and led by Indigenous organizations and community members to address self-identified social development goals, including providing alternatives to risky behavior and improving opportunities for education and employment. Since the program's launch in 2019, hundreds of Indigenous communities have benefited from funded projects across the country and continue to do so. Funding is available for projects serving Indigenous communities across the country for 2026–2027 and 2027–2028 through the first two SSDIC streams. On August 25, 2025, funding through SSDIC Stream Three will be made available for projects that support sport initiatives for Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQI+ people. Quotes "Sport has the power to build stronger communities, foster belonging and inspire the next generation. The Government of Canada is proud to support Indigenous-led initiatives that provide culturally relevant sport opportunities for First Nations, Inuit and Métis people across the country. Through the SSDIC program, Indigenous partners are breaking down barriers and creating lasting, positive change through sport." —The Honourable Adam van Koeverden, Secretary of State (Sport) "The Aboriginal Sport Circle (ASC) welcomes Sport Canada's continued investment through the Sport for Social Development in Indigenous Communities (SSDIC) program. These funding streams are more than financial support; they empower Indigenous-led, community-driven sport and physical activity initiatives that strengthen health, education, and leadership. They open doors for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples; create safe spaces for youth; and advance reconciliation through the power of sport. The ASC is proud to work alongside our partners to build stronger, healthier, and more vibrant Indigenous communities nationwide." —Vanessa McGregor, Executive Director, Aboriginal Sport Circle Quick Facts The Sport for Social Development in Indigenous Communities program is focused on supporting positive outcomes in the areas of health, education, at-risk behaviour and/or employability, consistent with priorities set out in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada's Calls to Action 7, 19 and 38, and with Calls for Justice 3.1 and 7.3 of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. Stream One: Funding is available annually to the 13 Provincial/Territorial Aboriginal Sport Bodies and the Aboriginal Sport Circle for the development of sport community programming. Stream Two: Funding is available annually to Indigenous governments, communities and other not-for-profit Indigenous organizations for projects that promote sport and recreation in Indigenous communities. The deadline to submit applications for funding is September 24, 2025. Stream Three: Funding is available annually to Indigenous governments, communities and other not-for-profit Indigenous organizations that specifically support sport and recreation projects serving Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQI+ people. The deadline to submit applications for funding is October 6, 2025. SOURCE Canadian Heritage
Cision Canada
7 days ago
- Sport
- Cision Canada
Key Highlights of the 2025 Conference of Federal, Provincial and Territorial Ministers Responsible for Sport, Physical Activity and Recreation
ST. JOHN'S, NL, Aug. 9, 2025 /CNW/ - The federal, provincial and territorial (F-P/T) ministers of sport, physical activity and recreation have concluded a two-day conference focused on advancing governments' collective priorities. They also met with the Aboriginal Sport Circle to discuss Indigenous sport and recreation initiatives and strategies. Canadian Sport Policy 2025-2035 Endorsement Ministers endorsed the Canadian Sport Policy 2025-2035 *. This marks a significant milestone for sport and physical activity in Canada. Shaped by engagement held across Canada, the Canadian Sport Policy 2025-2035 responds to an evolving sport landscape marked by reconciliation efforts, commitments to gender equity and accessibility, and safe sport. The Policy seeks to address the social inequities and affordability challenges that continue to impact participation and sport organizations' capacity. The Policy also aims to unite and inspire efforts to create inclusive sport environments that reflect shared values in Canada, enhance community wellbeing, and ensure sustainable sport development for all. The Policy represents a collective commitment to enable everyone to grow, excel, and achieve wellbeing through sport. The Policy encourages all partners and participants involved in sport across Canada to ensure positive and meaningful sport experiences for everyone, from beginners to competitive high-performance athletes, to lifelong participants. More than 5,000 Canadians took part in the engagement process and their views are reflected in the What we heard report. Each government and organization will determine the best way to advance and evaluate progress on designated areas of action. They will advance their own action plans and policies, taking into account individual jurisdictional mandates and priorities. Ministers further acknowledged the support of the Sport Information Resource Centre in coordinating the engagement process and the revision of the policy. Ministers also endorsed seven Federal-Provincial/Territorial Priorities for Collaborative Action to help advance the Policy ** goals and areas for action. Ministers emphasized their mutual priorities that sport and physical activity must be safe, inclusive and culturally relevant. They discussed the importance of increasing sport participation in Canada by creating opportunities for more affordable sport experiences. In addition, they mentioned that leveraging hosting opportunities to realize positive economic impacts and legacies for communities across Canada is a key priority along with strong leadership, governance and accountability in sport. Ministers directed officials to proceed with circulation of the Policy throughout the sport and related sectors and to monitor progress on the F-P/T Priorities for Collaborative Action and report back, as appropriate, to the next Conference of Ministers responsible for sport. Renewal of the Framework for Recreation in Canada Ministers reviewed consultation findings from the recreation sector and supported continued work to renew the Framework for Recreation in Canada **. Ministers view recreation as an important element of healthy living. The recreation sector enhances balance and the resilience of Canadians and their communities. The park sector also plays an important role in protecting and conserving the natural environments of Canada. Sport Infrastructure Ministers discussed the importance of sport and recreation facilities and the challenges with the deteriorating state of sport infrastructure across Canada. Sport infrastructure not only supports athletic activities, it provides many additional benefits including physical, mental and emotional health, community use and emergency management support. Ministers discussed the growing need for adequate infrastructure in every region and the deteriorating state of some facilities, many of which are past their life span. Ministers asked officials to continue discussions of the importance of sport infrastructure and opportunities to collaborate on solutions to address the challenges. Ministers will reconvene in May 2026 to discuss progress made. Safe Sport Ministers highlighted the efforts of their respective governments to put in place safe sport policies and procedures, including the establishment of Independent Third-Party (ITP) mechanisms to ensure a safe environment for all participants. Ministers also provided updates on progress achieved stemming from the 2019 Red Deer Declaration on topics such as maltreatment, racism and discrimination in sport. Ministers directed officials to examine how governments can further address racism and discrimination in sport in Canada. Ministers will also continue to explore opportunities for greater coordination and consistency around various models of ITP mechanisms in place in Canada. Ministers also received a presentation from the Future of Sport in Canada Commission whose work aims to improve safe sport and sport systems in Canada. Concussions Ministers discussed the importance of advancing concussion awareness, prevention and management*. Ontario shared their experience of implementing Rowan's Law and the progress made, and looks forward to collaborating with other provinces, territories and the federal government. Canada Games Ministers discussed areas of common interest in the Clear Lake Resolution, a document that sets the governance for the Canada Games and the mandate of the Canada Games Council. They want the Resolution to remain as relevant today, in guiding the organization of Canada's largest domestic multisport games, as it was when first signed by the F-P/T governments and the Canada Games Council in 1997. Collaborative Actions on Physical Activity Ministers acknowledged the importance of promoting physical activity across the country to support Canadians' physical and mental health. They also shared information on how their jurisdictions are addressing low levels of physical activity. They received an update on collaborative projects that support physical activity as part of daily life, prioritizing equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. Finally, Ministers agreed on the need to increase the rates of physical activity for all the social, health and economic benefits that active lifestyles promote. *Although it shares many objectives with other governments and is open to sharing information, particularly regarding best practices, the Government of Quebec has chosen not to participate in federal, provincial and territorial initiatives related to sports development, safe sport programs, and the promotion of physical activity and a healthy lifestyle. Quebec prefers to rely on its own programs, action plans, objectives and targets in these areas, which fall under its jurisdiction, and it intends to remain solely responsible for measures for the Quebec territory. **Quebec does not oppose the priorities proposed by the federal, provincial, and territorial governments in the area of sport, but it will limit its participation to the sharing of information and best practices. Quebec remains the sole authority within its areas of jurisdiction and retains responsibility for evaluating its own programs.
Yahoo
10-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Regina to host 2026 National Aboriginal Hockey Championships
Regina will host the 2026 National Aboriginal Hockey Championships, bringing elite young Indigenous hockey players to the Co-operators Centre from May 2 to 9, 2026. The NAHC, organized by the non-profit Aboriginal Sport Circle and sanctioned by Hockey Canada, features 16 teams — eight male and eight female — made up of bantam and midget-aged Indigenous athletes. The annual event has served as a key platform for Indigenous sport development since 2002, said a Friday news release from the Regina Exhibition Association Limited. The 2026 tournament will mark the first time Saskatchewan has hosted the championships since 2012, REAL's news release said. The tournament is "a tremendous opportunity for our province to showcase our commitment to Indigenous sport," Fabian Head, third vice-chief of the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations, said in the release. The championships create "a space where Indigenous youth can connect with their culture, build lasting relationships, and develop skills that extend far beyond the rink," he said. The 2026 event will be hosted in partnership with Ochapowace Nation in southeastern Saskatchewan. Chief Shelley Bear says that reflects the community's focus on youth development through sports and recreation, which she called "vital tools for building confidence, leadership and resilience in our young people." "When we provide these opportunities, we're not just developing better athletes — we're developing stronger communities and future leaders who carry their cultural pride with them in everything they do," Bear was quoted as saying in the news release. The NAHC typically delivers more than $1 million in economic impact per category to host communities, according to organizers. Regina Mayor Chad Bachynski welcomed the announcement, calling the tournament a meaningful event for the city and province. The event "strengthens the bonds between communities through the spirit of sport," Bachynski said in the press release. The championship is part of the province's efforts to answer the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's calls to action around sports and reconciliation, REAL's news release said. Sandra Jackle, president and CEO of the Regina Hotel Association, which is supporting the championships, said the event is an "outstanding celebration of sport and culture" that "strengthens cultural connections and community pride across Canada." More information on schedules and tickets for the 2026 championships will be released closer to the event. This year's event is being held in Kamloops, B.C., and wraps up Saturday.
Yahoo
10-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Regina to host 2026 National Aboriginal Hockey Championships
Regina will host the 2026 National Aboriginal Hockey Championships, bringing elite young Indigenous hockey players to the Co-operators Centre from May 2 to 9, 2026. The NAHC, organized by the non-profit Aboriginal Sport Circle and sanctioned by Hockey Canada, features 16 teams — eight male and eight female — made up of bantam and midget-aged Indigenous athletes. The annual event has served as a key platform for Indigenous sport development since 2002, said a Friday news release from the Regina Exhibition Association Limited. The 2026 tournament will mark the first time Saskatchewan has hosted the championships since 2012, REAL's news release said. The tournament is "a tremendous opportunity for our province to showcase our commitment to Indigenous sport," Fabian Head, third vice-chief of the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations, said in the release. The championships create "a space where Indigenous youth can connect with their culture, build lasting relationships, and develop skills that extend far beyond the rink," he said. The 2026 event will be hosted in partnership with Ochapowace Nation in southeastern Saskatchewan. Chief Shelley Bear says that reflects the community's focus on youth development through sports and recreation, which she called "vital tools for building confidence, leadership and resilience in our young people." "When we provide these opportunities, we're not just developing better athletes — we're developing stronger communities and future leaders who carry their cultural pride with them in everything they do," Bear was quoted as saying in the news release. The NAHC typically delivers more than $1 million in economic impact per category to host communities, according to organizers. Regina Mayor Chad Bachynski welcomed the announcement, calling the tournament a meaningful event for the city and province. The event "strengthens the bonds between communities through the spirit of sport," Bachynski said in the press release. The championship is part of the province's efforts to answer the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's calls to action around sports and reconciliation, REAL's news release said. Sandra Jackle, president and CEO of the Regina Hotel Association, which is supporting the championships, said the event is an "outstanding celebration of sport and culture" that "strengthens cultural connections and community pride across Canada." More information on schedules and tickets for the 2026 championships will be released closer to the event. This year's event is being held in Kamloops, B.C., and wraps up Saturday.
