Chapter 6: Indigenous‑led sport and the Canadian sport system: structures, interactions and reconciliation

On this page

• Role of sport in Indigenous cultures
  • Impacts of the colonization of sport
• Indigenous governments and communities
  • The Aboriginal Sport Circle and Provincial and Territorial Aboriginal Sport Bodies
    • Structure and mandate
    • Programming
    • Sporting events
    • Advocacy and leadership
    • Sources of funding
  • Indigenous games
    • North American Indigenous Games
    • Arctic Winter Games
  • National Association of Friendship Centres
• Indigenous rights and reconciliation
  • The Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action
    • Funding for sport and physical activity
    • Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action 87 (public education)
    • Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action 88 (development, growth, and support)
    • Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action 89 (amendment to the Physical Activity and Sport Act)
    • Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action 90 (national sport policies, programs, and initiatives)
    • Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action 91 (international sporting events)
  • National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, Reclaiming Power and Place
  • United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
  • Commonwealth (Lekwungen) Sport Declaration on Truth, Reconciliation and Partnership with Indigenous Peoples
• Participants’ perspectives on Indigenous sport
  • Participants’ perspectives on anti-Indigenous racism in sport
  • Participants’ perspectives on barriers to participation in sport and physical activity
    • Affordability and geography
    • Lack of facilities and infrastructure
    • Lack of culturally safe environments
    • Lack of Indigenous athlete representation and celebration
  • Participants’ perspectives on the Aboriginal Sport Circle
  • Participants’ perspectives on Indigenous games
  • Participants’ perspectives on Friendship Centres and the National Association of Friendship Centres
  • Participants’ perspectives on Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action related to sport
    • Examples of progress
    • Examples of opportunities for improvement
• Calls to Action: Indigenous people and sport

Our review of Canada’s sport ecosystem would not be complete without considering the realities of Indigenous-led sport as well as Indigenous people’s interactions with the “mainstream” sport system in Canada.

We took steps to meaningfully engage with Indigenous people throughout our activities to ensure their voices, insights, and perspectives were heard. As a result, the Commission had the privilege to meet with Indigenous athletes, leaders, governments, and community representatives. We recognize the contributions of all the people who welcomed the opportunity to share with us their experiences, perspectives, and insights on the sport system and safe sport.

This chapter examines the relationship between Indigenous people and sport in Canada. It begins by highlighting sport’s significance for Indigenous people, noting how sport is deeply interwoven with Indigenous cultures and history. Subsequently, we consider colonialism’s impacts on Indigenous people and sport before exploring the various Indigenous sporting bodies and structures. We then outline four key documents relevant for discussions regarding Indigenous communities and sport in Canada.

Next, we present participants’ perspectives on Indigenous sport gathered during our engagement process (gathered via meetings, written submissions and other documents shared with the Commission) and at the National Summit organized by the Commission. Finally, the chapter details the Commission’s findings related to Indigenous sport and concludes with Calls to Action to foster a more equitable, respectful, and inclusive sport system for all Indigenous people in Canada.

Role of sport in Indigenous cultures

Sport has always been important in Indigenous cultures.^{Footnote 518} Competitions that showcased skill, strength, and endurance were a prominent feature in many Indigenous communities.^{Footnote 519} Hunting abilities were often central to these competitions. Each Indigenous nation, community, and family had its own sports and games, with practices that were sometimes shared across groups and regions as people travelled, met, negotiated, and engaged in competition and ceremony.^{Footnote 520}

This view and approach to sport are illustrated by the benefits associated with sport and physical activity for Indigenous people outlined in Chapter 2. As we saw in that chapter, sport can be healing for Indigenous people. Movement is described as medicine: it brings communities together, it fosters a sense of pride in Indigenous identity, and it provides a vehicle for language and knowledge transmission.

Indigenous athletes serve as powerful role models within their communities. Their journeys exemplify strength and resilience. The celebration and representation of Indigenous athletes in sport are crucial because they allow for Indigenous people to see themselves reflected in sport.

Impacts of the colonization of sport

An understanding of the context in which the Canadian sport system emerged, and continues to operate, is important to facilitate a better understanding of the challenges and struggles that Indigenous people and communities face when engaging with the Canadian sport structures.

When European settlers arrived in Canada, they introduced an approach to sport that has been described as “calisthenics, gymnastics, military drill, and competitive sports.”^{Footnote 522} This way of engaging with sport and physical activity was, and still is, very different from the Indigenous approach just outlined.^{Footnote 523} The colonial structures that were imposed on Indigenous people aimed for assimilation and caused profound harm that continues to be experienced today.^{Footnote 524}

We learned that one such harm is the Canadian sport system’s historical view and treatment of Indigenous sport and physical activity through a lens of cultural superiority. It tends to see Indigenous sport as “uncivilized,” “less than,” and “beneath” the Canadian sport system, further contributing to anti-Indigenous racism.

The Commission understands that many non-Indigenous people still today perceive traditional Indigenous sport as being cultural practices rather than sport. Indigenous people and communities have continued to resist these views, advocating for the advancement of an Indigenous-led sport system, organizing Indigenous-led games and tournaments, and reasserting Indigenous Peoples’ cultural identity, traditions, practices, and self-determination.^{Footnote 525}

Indigenous governments and communities

First Nations, Inuit, and Métis governments, councils, communities, and organizations deliver sport and physical activity programs in their communities. They administer sport programs, provide education and resources, and fund athletes, programs, and events. The details of such programs, services, and policies vary by community.

Some Indigenous governments support their communities through sport and recreation grants. Some also host and sponsor sport-related events. Others have a ministry and minister specific to sport and physical activity. In some cases, they work collaboratively with their respective Provincial or Territorial Aboriginal Sport Body and Association of Friendship Centres.

Some Indigenous communities also have a dedicated sport and recreation department that provides community members with the opportunity to engage and participate in physical activity, organized sport, interactive community events, and cultural activities. As a result, they enjoy year-round programming aimed at enhancing quality of life through community-driven sport, recreation, and other physical activities.

The Aboriginal Sport Circle and Provincial and Territorial Aboriginal Sport Bodies

In the late 1980s, the concept of an Indigenous secretariat in the federal government responsible for advancing Indigenous sport in Canada emerged and gained momentum within Indigenous communities.^{Footnote 526} In 1992, the Minister’s Task Force entitled “Sport: The Way Ahead” supported the creation of an Aboriginal Secretariat.^{Footnote 527} This led to the establishment in 1995 of the Aboriginal Sport Circle.^{Footnote 528}

Sport Canada categorizes the Aboriginal Sport Circle as a National Multisport Service Organization.^{Footnote 529} The Aboriginal Sport Circle describes itself as Canada’s national voice for Aboriginal sport and recreation, bringing together the interests of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples.^{Footnote 530} Initially created to address the need for more accessible and equitable sport and recreation opportunities for Aboriginal Peoples, the Aboriginal Sport Circle’s mandate has since evolved to include physical activity, health, nutrition, physical education, and wellness.^{Footnote 531}

Structure and mandate

The Aboriginal Sport Circle is a member-based, not-for-profit organization that operates as a collective composed of its member Provincial and Territorial Aboriginal Sport Bodies. It guides national priorities and coordinates interjurisdictional collaboration. It does not deliver community-level sport directly.^{Footnote 532}

The organization has 13 member Provincial or Territorial Aboriginal Sport Bodies.^{Footnote 533} The respective structures of the Provincial and Territorial Aboriginal Sport Bodies, mandates and the services they provide to their communities may vary in nature to meet the specific needs, governance contexts, and cultural priorities of their region. As members of the Aboriginal Sport Circle, they represent the community interests of the Aboriginal Peoples in their respective jurisdictions.^{Footnote 534}

We were informed that, through its activities and initiatives, the Aboriginal Sport Circle engages and mobilizes Indigenous sport leaders and communities both within the Indigenous sport system and elsewhere in the Canadian sport system to advocate for the advancement of Indigenous-led governance. Below we outline some of the Aboriginal Sport Circle’s initiatives in terms of programming, sporting events and advocacy.

Programming

Working in partnership with other National Multisport Service Organizations, the Aboriginal Sport Circle developed and delivers programming, including the following:

• The Athlete Support Program, which aims to increase physical literacy in Indigenous children and increase the number of Indigenous people who remain active for life. It also seeks to create a pathway into high-performance sport for Indigenous athletes. This program, developed in collaboration with Sport for Life, recognizes that Canada’s mainstream sport pathways do not reflect the needs and cultural priorities of Indigenous people.^{Footnote 535}
• The Indigenous Long-Term Participant Development, designed as a roadmap for developing sport and physical activity among Indigenous people.^{Footnote 536}
• The Aboriginal Coaching Program, was created in partnership with the Coaching Association of Canada. The program is offered to coaches of First Nation, Métis, or Inuit descent and non-Indigenous coaches working with Indigenous communities or Indigenous participants.^{Footnote 537}
• The Aboriginal Apprentice Coaching Program, was created in partnership with the Provincial and Territorial Aboriginal Sport Bodies, Provincial and Territorial coaching representatives, the Canada Games Council and the Coaching Association of Canada. Through this program, each province and territory can send two coaches of First Nations, Métis and Inuit ancestry to the Canada Games in apprentice coach roles.^{Footnote 538}

Sporting events

The Aboriginal Sport Circle also hosts sporting events.^{Footnote 539} The National Aboriginal Hockey Championship is an example of an Indigenous-led event established by the Aboriginal Sport Circle in 2002.^{Footnote 540} It is a Hockey-Canada-sanctioned event that the Aboriginal Sport Circle co-hosts each year with a host community. The Aboriginal Sport Circle describes it as:

“[…] a forum for elite U15 and U18 aged Indigenous youth to not only compete for sport glory, but to also come together in ceremony and comraderies. This annual event fosters cultural unity and pride as it celebrates Indigenous athletes from across the country.”^{Footnote 541}

The Aboriginal Sport Circle is also the franchise holder for the North American Indigenous Games.^{Footnote 542} These Games are discussed in more detail below.

Advocacy and leadership

We understand that as it relates to its role in advocacy, leadership, and national strategic direction, the Aboriginal Sport Circle was involved in the following:

• The Maskwachees Declaration (2000).^{Footnote 543}
• The creation of the Sport Canada’s Policy on Aboriginal Peoples’ Participation in Sport (2005).^{Footnote 544}
• The creation of “The Spirit of Sport: Active Together — A National Strategy for Indigenous Peoples’ Participation in Sport, Physical Activity, and Recreation in Canada” (2025).^{Footnote 545} This recently released strategy is discussed in more detail later.

The Commission also understands that the Aboriginal Sport Circle regularly presents to federal, provincial, and territorial ministers of sport. It has been involved with negotiating the North American Indigenous Games Funding Framework, securing federal funding for Indigenous sport through Sport for Social Development in Indigenous Communities, and working on bilateral funding agreements with provinces and territories.

We have also been informed that the Standing Working Group for Indigenous Sport Development was created following advocacy efforts by the Aboriginal Sport Circle. This working group falls under the Federal and Provincial/Territorial Sport Committee and reports to federal, provincial and territorial ministers responsible for sport, physical activity and recreation. This working group was established to identify priorities and co-develop action plans in response to the Calls to Action found in the 2015 Report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (discussed in more detail later).^{Footnote 546}

Sources of funding

The Aboriginal Sport Circle and the 13 Provincial and Territorial Aboriginal Sport Bodies receive funding as part of Sport Canada’s Sport for Social Development in Indigenous Communities program which is a component of its overall Sport Support Program.^{Footnote 547} Funds are available annually and can cover multi-year expenses. In 2024–2025, the Aboriginal Sport Circle received $ 2,120,000 from Sport Canada’s Sport Support Program.^{Footnote 548}

The Commission also understands that Provincial and Territorial Aboriginal Sport Bodies may also receive other sources of funding, including through bilateral agreements between their respective province or territory and the Government of Canada. We were informed that this funding is typically provided on a yearly basis which makes it difficult to plan or implement strategic planning. Often, the funding received through bilateral agreements does not get released until mid-year, which adversely affects the Aboriginal Sport Body’s operations.

Indigenous games

There are several Indigenous games, either multisport events or sport-specific events, for Indigenous athletes. Although we recognize there are other Indigenous games, events, and organizations that conduct important work in the context of Indigenous sport, the North American Indigenous Games and the Arctic Winter Games were the events most often identified throughout our engagement process as being highly significant to Indigenous people.

North American Indigenous Games

The North American Indigenous Games are a multisport event for Indigenous North American athletes.^{Footnote 551} They are one of the largest sporting and cultural gatherings of Indigenous Peoples in North America.^{Footnote 552}

This event grew out of an Indigenous-led process and without government support.^{Footnote 553} Some participants told us that these games are also unique in ensuring that Indigenous culture is “infused” into all aspects of the Games.

The North American Indigenous Games Council serves as the international governing body of the North American Indigenous Games. It is made up of 26 members representing the 13 provinces and territories in Canada and 13 regions in the United States.^{Footnote 554} The council is an incorporated, non-profit organization.^{Footnote 555}

These games were created to promote healthy lifestyles, strengthen self-image, and highlight Indigenous role models through sport and culture. The Games program features 16 sports, including three traditional Indigenous sports: canoe/kayak, lacrosse, and 3D archery.^{Footnote 556} The vision of the Games is as follows:

“[…] to improve the quality of life for Indigenous Peoples by supporting self-determined sports and cultural activities which encourage equal access to participation in the social / cultural / spiritual fabric of the community in which they reside and which respects [sic] Indigenous distinctiveness.”^{Footnote 557}

Arctic Winter Games

The Arctic Winter Games are a multisport event founded in 1969 to provide athletes from the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions a place to compete within their own cultural context.^{Footnote 558} Their mission is to “provide a meaningful Arctic Winter Games Experience.”^{Footnote 559}

Until recently, the Arctic Winter Games occurred on a biennial basis. In early December 2025, the Arctic Winter Games International Committee announced that the games would now take place on a three-year cycle.^{Footnote 560}

The Arctic Winter Games (also known as the Arctic Winter Games International Committee) is a corporation under the Canada Corporations Act.^{Footnote 561} They are governed by a board of directors from each of its permanent members: Alaska, Yukon, Northwest Territories, Northern Alberta, Nunavut, and Greenland.

Through a bidding process, the Arctic Winter Games organization selects a hosting community with whom they develop a formal contract. This host community then in turn establishes a not-for-profit host society for the event. The host community, through the society, stages the games in accordance with the Arctic Winter Games requirements.^{Footnote 562}

The Arctic Winter Games organization’s key activities include selecting a host community, overseeing the games’ preparation, and ensuring their technical and cultural integrity. Through these activities, the event fosters the development of young athletes, promotes cultural exchange, and strengthens the bonds among Circumpolar North communities.^{Footnote 563}

The Commission understands that the Arctic Winter Games generally do not receive any funding from the federal government of Canada. However, we understand that when games are hosted in Canada, the host society typically receives funding from Sport Canada and Infrastructure Canada. As such, funding for the Arctic Winter Games typically comes from a combination of provincial/territorial government contributions, corporate sponsorships, grants, and in-kind donations. For example, in 2024, the Games’ budget was supported largely by grants, sponsorships, and in-kind donations.^{Footnote 564} In addition, the Government of Yukon committed $4 million in funding and an additional $350,000 in in-kind contributions for the 2026 Games.^{Footnote 565}

National Association of Friendship Centres

The National Association of Friendship Centres, referred to as the Friendship Centre Movement, is a network of member Friendship Centres and Provincial and Territorial Associations.^{Footnote 566} While it is not a sport organization and does not have any specific policy or program initiatives related to sport or physical activity, it plays a significant role in the sport context for urban Indigenous Communities.

It promotes and advocates for its members and supports them in achieving their missions and visions within urban Indigenous communities. It also shares urban Indigenous perspectives with municipal, provincial, territorial, and federal governments, and non-Indigenous civil society organizations.^{Footnote 567}

The National Association of Friendship Centres defines urban Indigenous people as:

“First Nations, Inuit, and Métis living in small, medium and large communities, including rural, isolated and remote communities, which are off-reserve; outside of their home community, community of origin or settlement; or outside of Inuit Nunangat (Inuit Homelands).”^{Footnote 568}

As a not-for-profit association incorporated under the Canada Not-for-profit Corporations Act, the National Association of Friendship Centres is governed by a volunteer board of directors and an executive committee of five members drawn from the board. The board is made up of 11 regional representatives, including members from the Indigenous Youth Council ^{Footnote 569} and the Association’s senate.^{Footnote 570} Board members are selected by the Provincial and Territorial Associations.^{Footnote 571}

The Association receives funding in accordance with various agreements with the Government of Canada and other contributors. It distributes funds to its members across Canada and to other organizations that carry out the projects intended to fulfill its mandate.

In 2023, the Association’s revenues totaled $49,921,261, most of which came from government contributions ($48,445,884).^{Footnote 572} These government contributions came from Indigenous Services Canada, Canadian Heritage (Indigenous Languages and Cultures Program^{Footnote 573}), Department of Justice, Employment and Social Development Canada, Department for Women and Gender Equality, Crown–Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada, Public Health Agency of Canada, Public Safety Canada, Environment Canada, and Canadian Institutes of Health Research.^{Footnote 574}

The National Association of Friendship Centres, while providing through its members culturally appropriate services for Indigenous people, is not a recipient of any sport-specific funding from Sport Canada. Moreover, it is not eligible to receive funds from the Aboriginal Sport Circle because it is not a Provincial or Territorial Aboriginal Sport Body. In some cases, the Association represents and provides services to Indigenous people who may not be represented by Provincial or Territorial Aboriginal Sport Bodies.

Indigenous rights and reconciliation

Throughout the Commission’s engagement process, four key documents were noted as being highly relevant for discussions regarding Indigenous communities and sport in Canada:

• The Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action (2008 to 2015)
• The Calls for Justice from the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (2016 to 2019)
• The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (2021)
• The Commonwealth (Lekwungen) Sport Declaration on Truth, Reconciliation and Partnership with Indigenous Peoples (2023)

Below, we provide context surrounding each of these key documents and government responses to them.

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission was established in 2008, through a legal settlement between the Residential Schools Survivors, the Assembly of First Nations, Inuit representatives, and the parties responsible for creating and operating the schools, namely the federal government and church bodies.^{Footnote 575}

The Commission was broadly mandated to promote truth, healing, and reconciliation for Indigenous people impacted, directly or indirectly, by the unfortunate legacies of the residential school system. It was also intended to educate all Canadians about the history and enduring effects of these schools.^{Footnote 576} Over the course of its mandate, the Commission conducted extensive research and gathered testimonies from Residential School Survivors, their families, community members, former residential school staff, and others.^{Footnote 577}

In June 2015, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission issued their multi-volume Final Report which included Ten Principles for Reconciliation and 94 Calls to Action. These Calls to Action were directed to all sectors of Canadian society with the objective of promoting and advancing reconciliation between Canadians and Indigenous Peoples.^{Footnote 578}

Among these Calls to Action, five focused on fostering reconciliation through sport and physical activity — Calls to Action 87 to 91.^{Footnote 579} In response, the federal government has committed to support specific Indigenous sport initiatives, including funding First Nation, Métis, and Inuit governments in support of various programs.^{Footnote 580} We provide below an overview of that response to these five Calls to Action based on the data available on the Government of Canada’s Delivering on Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action. At the time of writing this Report, the webpage was last updated in June 2024.^{Footnote 581}

Funding for sport and physical activity

To support the implementation of Calls to Action 87 to 91, the Government of Canada made the following financial investments. In the 2017 federal budget it allocated $18.9 million over five years, starting in 2017-2018, along with $5.5 million in ongoing funding on a four-year cycle thereafter to support Indigenous sport leadership and culturally relevant programming.^{Footnote 582} The 2022 budget reaffirmed that investment with $20 million allocated over five years, commencing in 2022 – 2023.^{Footnote 583}

Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action 87 (public education)

“87. We call upon all levels of government, in collaboration with Aboriginal Peoples, sports halls of fame, and other relevant organizations, to provide public education that tells the national story of Aboriginal athletes in history.”^{Footnote 584}

With respect to Call to Action 87, the Government of Canada reports that it is making progress.^{Footnote 585} A part of the investments noted above supports the Aboriginal Sport Circle for their operations and programming, including the delivery of the Tom Longboat Award and the National Indigenous Coaching Awards. The Tom Longboat Award recognizes Indigenous athletes for their outstanding contributions to sport in Canada,^{Footnote 586} and the National Indigenous Coaching Awards is presented each year to two Indigenous coaches, one man and one woman, who demonstrates exemplary integrity in their approach to coaching. ^{Footnote 587}

The Government of Canada indicates that the recipients received awards at the 2022 Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and at the 2022 Coaching Association of Canada Petro-Canada Sport Leadership Gala.^{Footnote 588} The next steps the Government outlined in response to this Call to Action refer to the 2024 awards.^{Footnote 589} We understand that the 2024 awards have now been received.

In addition to managing these awards, the Aboriginal Sport Circle also engages with Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame (the Tom Longboat Awards) and the Coaching Association of Canada (the National Indigenous Coaching Awards) to promote these awards and other relevant recognition projects.^{Footnote 590}

Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action 88 (development, growth, and support)

“88. We call upon all levels of government to take action to ensure long-term Aboriginal athlete development and growth, and continued support for the North American Indigenous Games, including funding to host the games and for provincial and territorial team preparation and travel.”^{Footnote 591}

The Government of Canada considers the implementation of Call to Action 88 complete. In response to Call to Action 88, the Government of Canada refers to the continued support for the North American Indigenous Games team preparation and travel (through bilateral agreements) as part of the investments noted above,^{Footnote 592} and the ongoing funding and the funding framework in place for hosting the North American Indigenous Games. A new funding framework and hosting rotation has been approved by the federal and provincial/territorial ministers responsible for sport, physical activity, and recreation.^{Footnote 593} The ministers agreed that this framework would apply beginning in 2024, and every four years thereafter given that the games will be hosted in Canada every four years.^{Footnote 594}

The standard operating budget for the North American Indigenous Games is between $10 to $14 million.^{Footnote 595} The federal and provincial/territorial governments have agreed to contribute a matching 35% of the budget.^{Footnote 596}

Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action 89 (amendment to the Physical Activity and Sport Act)

“89.We call upon the federal government to amend the Physical Activity and Sport Act to support reconciliation by ensuring that policies to promote physical activity as a fundamental element of health and well-being, reduce barriers to sports participation, increase the pursuit of excellence in sport, and build capacity in the Canadian sport system, are inclusive of Aboriginal Peoples.”^{Footnote 597}

The Government of Canada notes that Call to Action 89 will require a longer-term effort given that changes to legislation require consultation with other federal government departments in collaboration with the Aboriginal Sport Circle and Indigenous Peoples in Canada.^{Footnote 598} As a first step, in 2022, the Government of Canada invested $3.1 million over two years with the Aboriginal Sport Circle for the development of a national Indigenous sport strategy following a national consultation process.^{Footnote 599} It is intended that the strategy will provide a framework for the implementation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action focused on sport - Calls to Action 87 to 91.^{Footnote 600}

The Commission was informed that the National Strategy for Indigenous Peoples’ Participation in Sport, Physical Activity and Recreation in Canada was in fact made possible following advocacy efforts that began in 2016 following the report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (and prior to the investment noted above).

The Aboriginal Sport Circle was tasked in the fall of 2021 to develop the National Strategy for Indigenous Peoples’ Participation in Sport, Physical Activity and Recreation in Canada. To do so, it initially conducted extensive consultation and research which resulted in the formal report “Phase 1: Reimagining Our Future” that was shared with Sport Canada. Phase 2 was called “The Spirit of Sport: Active Together — A National Strategy for Indigenous Peoples’ Participation in Sport, Physical Activity, and Recreation in Canada.”^{Footnote 601}

The Commission was informed that the National Indigenous Sport Strategy, “The Spirit of Sport: Active Together” was officially submitted to Sport Canada on March 31, 2025, and presented to the federal, provincial and territorial ministers responsible for sport, physical activity and recreation at their meeting in August 2025. At the time of writing this report, the Commission understands that the Aboriginal Sport Circle continues to engage with Sport Canada but no formal written response to the National Strategy has been provided.

The National Strategy for Indigenous Peoples’ Participation in Sport, Physical Activity and Recreation in Canada provides the framework for achieving a self-determined Indigenous sport, physical activity, and recreation system that prospers alongside, and at times interacts with, an inclusive Canadian system. The 2025 National Strategy provides a ten-year initiative, vision, and roadmap. It is structured in five strategic focus areas with a total of 19 priorities and 49 corresponding action items.^{Footnote 602} The document lays out how:

“Indigenous communities and organizations may adopt the elements that best suit their needs, while non-Indigenous partners are called to support — not supplant — Indigenous leadership in each area. As a living document, this National Strategy will evolve as we address emerging challenges and shifting priorities, and adjust to lessons learned. We welcome ongoing collaboration and dialogue to ensure it remains responsive to the needs of Indigenous peoples, communities and organizations.”^{Footnote 603}

The Aboriginal Sport Circle expressed its hope that once implemented, the 2025 National Strategy will serve as a framework of collaboration to build alliances, share best practices, and enhance operational capacity.

Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action 90 (national sport policies, programs, and initiatives)

“ 90. We call upon the federal government to ensure that national sports policies, programs, and initiatives are inclusive of Aboriginal Peoples, including, but not limited to, establishing:

1. In collaboration with provincial and territorial governments, stable funding for, and access to, community sports programs that reflect the diverse cultures and traditional sporting activities of Aboriginal Peoples.
2. An elite athlete development program for Aboriginal athletes.
3. Programs for coaches, trainers, and sports officials that are culturally relevant for Aboriginal Peoples.
4. Anti-racism awareness and training programs.”^{Footnote 604}

In response to Call to Action 90, the federal government in its 2017 budget invested in the support of Indigenous youth and sport initiatives in the following areas:

• Indigenous sport leadership
• culturally relevant programming
• the North American Indigenous Games
• Sport Canada’s data and research efforts.^{Footnote 605}

Funding was also allocated to the Aboriginal Sport Circle to assume a leadership role in Indigenous sport development in order to:

• support the Provincial and Territorial Aboriginal Sport Bodies
• support national sport organizations and multisport service organizations to align their programing with the Indigenous Long-Term Participation Development Pathway
• ensure the development of a data strategy.^{Footnote 606}

Through bilateral agreements, funding was allocated to provincial and territorial governments to enhance their capacity to support the leadership of Provincial and Territorial Aboriginal Sport Bodies. This funding is also intended to support culturally relevant sport programming, including the North American Indigenous Games team preparation and travel.^{Footnote 607}

Funding was also allocated to National Sport Organizations and National Multisport Service Organizations to promote the long-term development of Indigenous athletes through culturally relevant programs.^{Footnote 608}

Furthermore, a section on reconciliation initiatives was added to the 2023–2024 Sport Support Program guidelines, to ensure that initiatives aimed at advancing reconciliation were eligible for funding under federal programs.^{Footnote 609}

The Government of Canada also identifies in its response to Call to Action 90 that a Standing Working Group was established to identify priorities and co-develop action plans in response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action. The Working Group is co-chaired by the Aboriginal Sport Circle and Sport Canada, and is dedicated to the Indigenous Sport Development under the Federal and Provincial/Territorial Sport Committee which, in turn, reports to the federal, provincial and territorial ministers responsible for sport, physical activity and recreation.^{Footnote 610} This working group recommends federal and provincial/territorial government actions to promote the participation of Indigenous athletes, coaches, and officials in the Canada Games across all sports as well as the inclusion of lacrosse as a permanent sport on the Canada Summer Games program.^{Footnote 611}

Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action 91 (international sporting events)

“91. We call upon the officials and host countries of international sporting events such as the Olympics, Pan Am, and Commonwealth games to ensure that Indigenous Peoples’ territorial protocols are respected, and local Indigenous communities are engaged in all aspects of planning and participating in such events.”^{Footnote 612}

In response to Call to Action 91, the Government of Canada noted that it reminds partners of this Call to Action by including it in the document it shares with bid and host organizations as well as other partners responsible for developing and supporting major sport event bids both domestically and internationally.^{Footnote 613} It also states that this Call to Action is included in Sport Canada’s ongoing work coordinating and developing a national bidding and hosting framework for major sporting events.^{Footnote 614}

The Government of Canada also made investments to support programs and initiatives responding to Call to Action 91. The 2017 budget investment included funding to provincial and territorial governments, through bilateral agreements, to increase Provincial and Territorial Aboriginal Sport Bodies’ operational capacities. It aimed to increase their offerings of culturally relevant sport-programming and support the North American Indigenous Games team preparation and travel.

The 2018 budget announced an investment of $9.5 million per year to expand the use of sport for social development in response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action.^{Footnote 615} As a result, in May 2019, Sport Canada launched the Sport for Social Development in Indigenous Communities component of the Sport Support Program. According to Sport Canada, four of the intended goals of this program for Indigenous people are:

• improved health
• improved education
• reduction of at-risk behaviours
• improved employability.^{Footnote 616}

The 2022 budget included continued support for North American Indigenous Games team preparation and travel through bilateral agreements.^{Footnote 617} With respect to events, Sport Canada invested $2.5 million in support of the 2023 Arctic Winter Games and $1.68 million to facilitate the addition of lacrosse to the 2025 Canada Summer Games.^{Footnote 618}

National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, Reclaiming Power and Place

Following publication of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s report, in 2016, the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls began its work investigating the mass disappearance of Indigenous women and girls. It concluded that their disappearances and Canada’s inaction in responding was genocide.^{Footnote 619}

The inquiry released its final report in 2019 with 231 individual Calls for Justice directed at governments, institutions, social service providers, industries, and Canadians generally.^{Footnote 620} Two of the Calls to Justice related to sport and physical activity:

“3.1 […] ensure that the rights to health and wellness of Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people are protected.^{Footnote 621}

(...)

7.3 […] support Indigenous-led prevention initiatives in the areas of health and community awareness […].”^{Footnote 622}

According to the Government of Canada’s Reporting on the Calls for Justice webpage, Stream Three of the Sport for Social Development in Indigenous Communities was created in response to the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, and more specifically Calls to Justice 3.1 and 7.3.^{Footnote 623} To qualify for this funding, projects must propose activities that create opportunities for Indigenous women, girls, and/or 2SLGBTQI+ people to participate in sport. Projects must also address one or more of the following social development goals:

• physical and mental health
• suicide prevention
• sexual trafficking awareness and prevention
• safe and healthy relationships
• sex positivity (2SLGBTQI+).^{Footnote 624}

United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

In addition to these two commissions, Canada has taken steps toward implementing the 2007 United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.^{Footnote 625} This declaration is a comprehensive, international human-rights instrument addressing the rights of Indigenous people around the world.^{Footnote 626}

It affirms and sets out a broad range of collective and individual rights that constitute the minimum standards necessary to protect the rights of Indigenous people and to contribute to their survival, dignity, and well-being.^{Footnote 627} It also affirms the need to respect and promote the rights of Indigenous peoples set out in treaties, agreements, and other constructive arrangements.^{Footnote 628}

The following milestones led to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act receiving Royal assent as an act in Canada:

• In 2015, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission called on all levels of governments to adopt the United Nations Declaration as the framework for reconciliation in Call to Action 43.^{Footnote 629}
• In 2016, the Government of Canada fully endorsed the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and committed to its implementation.^{Footnote 630}
• In 2019, the Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls called on Canada to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
• In 2021, following continued collaboration with Indigenous people toward implementing it, the United Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act received royal assent and came into force.

The Act provides a roadmap for the Government of Canada and Indigenous people to work together to fully implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.^{Footnote 631}

Commonwealth (Lekwungen) Sport Declaration on Truth, Reconciliation and Partnership with Indigenous Peoples

Following the release of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s report, and building on the reconciliation work started at the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Australia, an international working group co-chaired by Ava Hill, former elected chief of Six Nations of the Grand River, was created to draft what became the Commonwealth (Lekwungen) Sport Declaration on Truth, Reconciliation and Partnership with Indigenous Peoples.^{Footnote 632} The Government of Canada supported its creation by providing funding to Commonwealth Sport Canada to assist the working group in its development.^{Footnote 633}

This international declaration on advancing truth and reconciliation aims to respect, protect and promote the rights and opportunities of Indigenous Peoples through sport.^{Footnote 634} It was approved by acclamation at the Commonwealth Games Federation General Assembly in 2023.^{Footnote 635} Within this declaration, there are 10 calls to action related to:

• promoting sports and physical education for Indigenous people
• promoting Indigenous sport development
• developing a better understanding of traditional games
• strengthening partnerships with Indigenous people and communities to plan and host sport events
• including traditional Indigenous games in sporting events
• creating pathways to high performance for Indigenous athletes and coaches
• celebrating Indigenous athletes’ achievements
• strengthening inclusive sport networks.^{Footnote 636}

Sport organizations, institutions, governments, game organizers, individuals, and Indigenous Peoples are encouraged to work together to support and implement the spirit and actions of the declaration.^{Footnote 637}

Participants’ perspectives on Indigenous sport

The Commission had discussions with a range of Indigenous people and communities, including sport organizations and Indigenous community organizations engaged with sport both on and off reserve. We recognize that a large population of Indigenous people live off reserve and away from Métis homelands, often in urban settings.

Although their views identify challenges, gaps, and barriers that Indigenous people and communities encounter, many success stories were also shared with the Commission. Indigenous communities celebrated their athletes and those involved in sport.

Indigenous people and communities proudly shared successes with the Commission, whether describing a young Indigenous athlete being selected to play with Team Canada or dedicated Indigenous coaches who support youth athletes in their communities to reach milestones such as high-school graduation.

Participants’ perspectives on the benefits of sport for Indigenous people have also been reported in Chapter 2.

A synopsis of the input we received is outlined in six themes: anti-Indigenous racism, barriers to participation, the Aboriginal Sport Circle, Indigenous Games, Friendship Centres, and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

Participants’ perspectives on anti-Indigenous racism in sport

Every Indigenous organization and community the Commission engaged with shared experiences of anti-Indigenous racism and taunting in mainstream sport settings. Indigenous children, youth, and adult athletes shared experiences of being targeted and bullied during games and in sporting events. We also heard that existing sport structures often act as systemic and racist barriers to participation for Indigenous people.^{Footnote 638}

Many parents from Indigenous communities we engaged with shared that their children were excluded from activities, experienced racial slurs and differential treatment illustrating the presence of racism. We learned that parents themselves were also subjected to racism and faced discrimination and marginalization.

Despite the presence of racism, individuals from these communities reiterated that sport serves as an important historical and cultural foundation for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit athletes and communities. We were told on numerous occasions about the importance of honouring this history and recognizing the contributions of Indigenous people to Canadian sport. Indigenous athletes who achieved national success described receiving enormous support and encouragement from their communities and the creation of an immense sense of pride.

Through sharing, we learned that the Indigenous sport system was created because Indigenous people were not included in the “mainstream” sport system. This resulted in two parallel sport systems that operate independently from each other.^{Footnote 639}

The Commission was informed of the need for an Indigenous sport system that is intentional, well researched, culturally safe, grounded in Indigenous values and culture, and accountable. The need for Indigenous-led sport programming and games was highlighted. In fact, we were told that an Indigenous sport system that empowers communities and nations to administer their own programs would align with the principle of self-determination. Participants also raised the need for the “mainstream” sport system to be intentional and culturally aware to ensure safe sport environments for Indigenous people.

Participants’ perspectives on barriers to participation in sport and physical activity

Although Chapter 7 addresses the many barriers to participation in sport and physical activity, which also apply to Indigenous people, here we focus specifically on perspectives shared with the Commission from Indigenous perspectives.

Throughout the Commission’s activities, Indigenous people shared with us that affordability and geography, lack of facilities and infrastructure, lack of culturally safe environments, and lack of Indigenous athlete representation and celebration were among the barriers to their participation in sport. Such challenges, we were told, are even more pronounced in small, remote and Northern communities where even access to limited numbers of volunteers may be prominent.

Affordability and geography

Chapter 7 discusses the expense associated with participating in sport and engaging in physical activity. Indigenous people and communities also raised these costs as a barrier. Some highlighted how, given the economic difficulties that some Indigenous people in Canada face, many families simply cannot afford the cost of registration fees, equipment, and competition travel associated with sport.

The question of affordability is further exacerbated by other factors such as geography, especially when an individual lives in a remote location or on reserve. Participants told us that because sport programs frequently do not involve Indigenous communities, individuals must travel, sometimes for hours, to play with a team. Travel leads to additional costs for transportation (if it is even available). Some recollected having to hitchhike to make their way to a sporting activity. Participants also shared examples of the costs of training and travel fees at all levels of sport. As a result, we were told that many Indigenous athletes who could have played at elite levels dropped out simply because they could not afford to do so.

Lack of facilities and infrastructure

The lack of facilities and infrastructure within Indigenous communities is another factor affecting Indigenous people’s sport participation.

On numerous occasions, the Commission was informed of the lack of facilities such as arenas and pools within their communities and the lack of appropriate infrastructure or resources, which results in individuals having to travel if they want to participate in swimming or skating. We also heard about community members bringing their vehicles to a field and turning on their headlights to provide a source of light so the game could continue once the sun had set.

According to those we engaged with, it was important that there not only be facilities available within a community, but that the facilities be accessible, well maintained and strategically placed. Some pointed to the link between the lack of adequate facilities within reserves and Indigenous communities and the lack of Indigenous athletes’ representation at the higher levels of sport.

As some participants expressed, many Indigenous athletes dream of going to the Olympic Games. However, the facilities, coaches, funding, and training centres necessary to make this dream a reality do not exist.

As Chapter 7 indicates, Indigenous people also encounter challenges when wanting to make use of schools or community centres for sport or physical activities, especially in more remote locations. Participants explained that, in remote or northern locations, the same facility is often used for multiple purposes. For example, the space will be used as a community hall, a courtroom, and the legislature, resulting in less access for sport and recreational purposes.

The Commission was also informed that for on-reserve Indigenous communities, capital projects such as schools, roads, and housing take precedence over sport or recreation facilities. This limits community access to daily recreation or physical activity programs, including sport.^{Footnote 640}

Lack of culturally safe environments

Over the course of the Commission’s activities, Indigenous people and communities identified (the presence of) anti-Indigenous racism as another barrier to their participation in sport, leading to culturally unsafe sporting environments. They also noted that a lack of Indigenous coaches and non-Indigenous coaches with a sensitivity to the cultures and traditions of Indigenous people hinder Indigenous peoples’ participation in sport. In fact, difficulties in accessing coaching-certification courses and appropriate training materials were identified as factors impeding the development of Indigenous coaches.

Lack of Indigenous athlete representation and celebration

Participants told us how important it is to highlight the success of Indigenous people and athletes in sport especially because Indigenous people are less likely to participate when they cannot see themselves represented in sport settings. Some articulated that Indigenous athletes need to be involved at international events while others would like to see land acknowledgements at all sporting events.

As Chapter 2 details, sport and physical activity afford multiple significant benefits to Canada’s population, yet there are few or limited sport program opportunities available in many Indigenous communities and for urban Indigenous youth.

Participants’ perspectives on the Aboriginal Sport Circle

The Commission heard from many people who recognized the Aboriginal Sport Circle’s pivotal role in promoting an Indigenous sport system and infusing spiritual and cultural practices into sport. Some saw it as the national voice for Indigenous sport. However, they also highlighted that the organization is underfunded.

A number of Provincial and Territorial Sport Bodies that the Commission met with expressed their support for the 2025 National Strategy, “The Spirit of Sport: Active Together,” developed under the organization’s leadership and advocated for its implementation.

Some explained that Provincial and Territorial Aboriginal Sport Bodies are distinct, insofar as matters of funding are concerned, from the Aboriginal Sport Circle. While they have a good relationship with the Circle, some stated that they do not depend on this organization.

Others noted that the Aboriginal Sport Circle reflects a colonial approach. It follows a model akin to a National Sport Organization with its 13 Provincial and Territorial Aboriginal Sport Body members. To that effect, some commented that the Aboriginal Sport Circle was established within the constraints of colonial structures and sport systems. Some opined that the Aboriginal Sport Circle is recognized by the Government of Canada as the voice and gatekeeper of Indigenous voices. Some participants raised questions regarding the organization’s accountability to Indigenous communities. With respect to the 2025 National Strategy, some individuals voiced concerns as they believe that there was a lack of meaningful engagement with Indigenous communities and organizations, including urban Indigenous populations, Friendship Centres and diverse Nations before the 2025 National Strategy was developed.

Participants’ perspectives on Indigenous games

A recurring theme throughout our engagement with Indigenous sport organizations and communities was the importance of Indigenous games to Indigenous athletes and communities. Some shared that youth involvement in the North American Indigenous Games was life changing. They said it removed barriers and provided youth support. We heard that these games are special given the central role that culture plays in that setting, from smudging and ceremonies to language integration throughout the event. Participants described the games as providing children with an opportunity to reconnect with and reclaim their culture.

Others shared with the Commission that participation in the North American Indigenous Games resulted in positive lifestyle changes, leading to healthier behaviours like nutrition choices and the pursuit of postsecondary education. More importantly, we heard that participation in these games gave youth self-confidence and self-worth. It also led some to see themselves as role models in their communities.

Additionally, the success and substantial economic impact of the North American Indigenous Games were recognized despite a lack of funding. There were calls for the federal, provincial, and territorial governments to re-open funding discussions reflecting the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Call to Action 88. We understand that the funding framework for the North American Indigenous Games was last addressed in 2019.

In addition to the support voiced for the North American Indigenous Games, we heard similar sentiments expressed about other Indigenous Games such as the Arctic Winter Games, the National Aboriginal Hockey Championships, and provincially or territorially based Indigenous Games. These events were described as major healing events of intergenerational trauma. They provide opportunities for Indigenous youth to compete and play together, creating a sense of pride and community. Participating in the Arctic Winter Games was described as a great opportunity for Indigenous youth, its safe space contributing to a sense of belonging.

We heard from many Indigenous people that non-Indigenous people tend to not know about or even acknowledge the existence of Indigenous Games and that scouts attend these events infrequently resulting in Indigenous athletes’ accomplishments going unnoticed. However, at the provincial level, we were informed that the Alberta Indigenous Games have a scholarship program for their youth and that college scouts attend these Games. In fact, the Alberta Indigenous Games reported with pride that a dozen former Alberta Indigenous Games athletes are pursuing their education in schools in the United States.

Participants’ perspectives on Friendship Centres and the National Association of Friendship Centres

Despite not being sport organizations, the National Association of Friendship Centres and individual Friendship Centres play important roles. Participants described how, in many urban settings, some Indigenous children access sport through a Friendship Centre while others participate in a ‘mainstream’ sport organization. Many shared that such mainstream sport organizations are not set up to provide a safe and inclusive environment for Indigenous people.

For this reason, participants strongly recommended to the Commission that consideration be given to provide funding to the National Association of Friendship Centres for sport and recreation activities. This funding could then be distributed to local Friendship Centres.

Participants’ perspectives on Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action related to sport

Throughout the Commission’s activities, Indigenous people and communities shared with us their thoughts on progress made by governments and Canadians in response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action 87 to 91 as they relate to sport. Although the Government of Canada committed in December 2015 to address all Calls to Action, the Commission heard that Sport Canada has not yet mandated National Sport Organizations to respond to them.

Although a number of successes were identified, the Commission also heard criticisms, many related to a lack of funding and the need for more work toward reconciliation.

Examples of progress

Many participants gave examples of progress. They identified the development and implementation of the Aboriginal Coaching Modules which specifically contribute to addressing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Call to Action 88 with its emphasis on long-term Aboriginal athlete development. They also noted that a specific module dealing with anti-Indigenous racism in sport contributes to a response to Call to Action 90.

Additionally, the Commission was informed of the Indigenous Sport Heroes Education Experience. This free, bilingual resource highlights the inspiring stories of Indigenous Hall of Famers through rich storytelling, videos, artifacts, and educational activities. Featuring 12 ready-to-use lesson plans that offer entry points to Indigenous ways of knowing and being into classrooms, this resource serves as a powerful tool for educators, supporting the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Call to Action 62. Some also noted that this initiative aligns with Call to Action 87.

The Commission also learned of a collaborative initiative between a National Sport Organization, the Aboriginal Sport Circle and its associated Provincial and Territorial Aboriginal Sport Bodies to host an inaugural National Indigenous sport camp. It brought together Indigenous athletes, coaches, and facilitators resulting in a powerful and transformative experience. The successful event provided a safe and inclusive environment fostering learning, growth, and cultural connectivity leaving a lasting impact on everyone involved.

At the national level, the Commission also heard that in the context of swimming at the Canada Games for seniors, a memorial swim was held between races to commemorate the unmarked graves that were discovered at a former Residential School. The swim had two empty lanes with orange shirts at their start line in memory of the missing children.

At the provincial level, we heard of efforts being made by a Provincial Sport Organization to re-introduce lacrosse, an Indigenous-origin sport within the Indigenous community. To do so, the organization has two Indigenous liaison positions on its board of directors who act as advisors and assist with re-integrating this sport within the community.

We were also informed of some positive steps toward reconciliation. For example, Canadian football games are being broadcast in Blackfoot language and orange-shirt-day games have been held, where athletes wear orange shirt warm up jerseys as a commitment to the ongoing process of reconciliation and to create awareness around the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

Examples of opportunities for improvement

Funding

Some noted that Sport Canada has dispensed no additional funds to National Sport Organizations to address the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action. Participants and literature have stated that that by failing to allocate such funds, resources, and support, Sport Canada is reinforcing settler colonialism.^{Footnote 641}

It was reiterated that governments have a duty to support programs by and for Indigenous communities and act on the Calls to Action as they relate to sport. Participants also insisted that these Calls to Action must be fully resourced through a mandate from the Government of Canada, including Sport Canada. Funding these Calls to Action, we were told, does not mean giving amounts of money “here and there.” It requires commitment and coordination for these to be implemented systemically and sustainably.

The lack of permanent funding for the North American Indigenous Games remains an issue in addition to the need for sustained support for regional and national Indigenous games.

The Physical Activity and Sport Act

Some advocated that the Physical Activity and Sport Act (2003) ought to be revised to align with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and Canada’s Act (2021). This would be needed to affirm the Government of Canada’s commitment to Indigenous rights and self-determination in sport and physical activity consistent with Call to Action 89.

Sporting events

As a condition of federal support, participants identified that all national and international sport events held in Canada should include Indigenous representation, protocols, and partnerships with local Indigenous Communities and Nations. This would be a required next step in response to Call to Action 91.

National and Provincial and Territorial Sport Organizations and reconciliation

On numerous occasions, participants reminded the Commission of the importance of relationship building when engaging with Indigenous people and communities. Such relationships require time and effort to get to know the community members the sport organization is trying to serve. It must go beyond simply providing funding.

Many participants raised the issue that sport organizations, whether at the national or provincial and territorial level, could and should be doing more in addressing reconciliation. Some Indigenous communities informed the Commission that when they reach out to national sport organizations to assist with developing a sport within their community, sport organizations tend to favour a “hands off” approach, rather than actively assisting them engage with that sport in their province or territory. We also heard of a lack of buy-in from Provincial and Territorial Sport Organizations when it came time to running the Aboriginal Coaching Program.

Calls to Action: Indigenous people and sport

The Commission recognizes the described context of settler colonialism in which the Canadian sport system emerged and continues to operate. Indigenous people continue to face racism in their daily lives and sport is no exception.

The Commission acknowledges the complexity of the Indigenous-led sport system and its relationship with the “mainstream” sport system. We also recognize the lack of research, information, and data specific to Indigenous people and sport in Canada. The need for additional funding to support research specific to Indigenous people and sport is addressed in Chapter 12. Our Calls to Action related to the Sport for Social Development in Indigenous Communities component of the Sport Support Program are outlined in chapter 15.

The Commission recognizes the work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, as well as their respective Calls to Action and Calls for Justice. Although some progress has been made by the Government of Canada toward fulfilling these calls, ten years have passed since the Calls to Action and six years since the Calls for Justice. This work must be continued.

Recognizing the Commission’s scope and framework and the importance for Indigenous people to exercise control over how sport serves them and their communities — and that such decisions must be made by and for Indigenous people — the Commission urges all governments to continue to meaningfully engage with Indigenous Peoples when decisions are made with respect to Indigenous sport.

All involved within the “mainstream” sport system have an important role to play for true and meaningful reconciliation to occur by constructively engaging and collaborating with Indigenous people. The Commission engaged with Indigenous people and communities who shared with us their realities of Indigenous-led sport and Indigenous people’s interactions with the “mainstream” sport system. This discussion informed our understanding of the systemic barriers and challenges Indigenous people faced and still face today.

The findings and Calls to Action relating to Indigenous people and sport made in this Report reflect the scope of engagement and work we were able to achieve within the parameters of the Commission's mandate and timeline. In contrast, we recognize the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s extensive work and its recommendations, including those relating to sport, and we call on the government to continue advancing their implementation. Further, to continue and build on this important work and carry the dialogue forward, we call on the Government to take steps to pursue further engagement with Indigenous people. Indeed, we have determined that all measures taken by the Government of Canada in response to the calls to action made in this report must be inclusive of Indigenous perspectives.

Calls to Action

The Commission calls for the following actions to be taken:

1. The Government of Canada continue the work to fulfill its commitment in response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action 87 to 91 relevant to sport included below:

“87. We call upon all levels of government, in collaboration with Aboriginal Peoples, sports halls of fame, and other relevant organizations, to provide public education that tells the national story of Aboriginal athletes in history.^{Footnote 642}

88. We call upon all levels of government to take action to ensure long-term Aboriginal athlete development and growth, and continued support for the North American Indigenous Games, including funding to host the games and for provincial and territorial team preparation and travel.^{Footnote 643}

89.We call upon the federal government to amend the Physical Activity and Sport Act to support reconciliation by ensuring that policies to promote physical activity as a fundamental element of health and well-being, reduce barriers to sports participation, increase the pursuit of excellence in sport, and build capacity in the Canadian sport system, are inclusive of Aboriginal Peoples.^{Footnote 644}

90. We call upon the federal government to ensure that national sports policies, programs, and initiatives are inclusive of Aboriginal Peoples, including, but not limited to, establishing:

1. In collaboration with provincial and territorial governments, stable funding for, and access to, community sports programs that reflect the diverse cultures and traditional sporting activities of Aboriginal Peoples.
2. An elite athlete development program for Aboriginal athletes.
3. Programs for coaches, trainers, and sports officials that are culturally relevant for Aboriginal Peoples.
4. Anti-racism awareness and training programs.^{Footnote 645}

91. We call upon the officials and host countries of international sporting events such as the Olympics, Pan Am, and Commonwealth games to ensure that Indigenous Peoples’ territorial protocols are respected, and local Indigenous communities are engaged in all aspects of planning and participating in such events.”^{Footnote 646}

2. All levels of government respect the principle of Indigenous self-determination in their decision-making process as it relates to Indigenous people in sport, meaning that such decisions should be made by Indigenous Peoples and for Indigenous Peoples.
3. All levels of government take proactive steps to engage with Indigenous people and ensure they meaningfully participate in decision-making processes related to all aspects of sport, including but not limited to, policies, programming, funding allocation, and governance, so that the Canadian sport system is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives, knowledge and cultures. They must also encourage other sport participants within their jurisdiction to do so by meaningfully engaging with Indigenous people to ensure their voices are present and heard.
4. The Government of Canada in implementing the Calls to Action in this report must ensure they are inclusive of Indigenous perspectives.