Sport Canada’s Policy on Aboriginal Peoples’ Participation in Sport

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Sport Canada’s Policy on Aboriginal Peoples’ Participation
in Sport
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ISSN: 1923-3299
76
Sport Canada’s Policy on Aboriginal Peoples’ Participation
in Sport
1
Canadian Heritage
Context
Why a Policy Now?
Over the past decade, a great deal of work has been done by Aboriginal Peoples to develop
and run sport and recreation programs for Aboriginal Peoples; notably, the establishment
of the Aboriginal Sport Circle (ASC), the North American Indigenous Games (NAIG), and
provincial and territorial Aboriginal sport governing bodies. During this time, Canadian
Heritage (Sport Canada) has consistently moved towards a value-based approach to sport
including support for Aboriginal Peoples. In 2002, federal, provincial and territorial
governments, endorsed the Canadian Sport Policy that acknowledges the existence of
barriers to sport participation for Aboriginal Peoples and has as a goal to increase access
and equity in sport. In 2003, the federal government modernized its sport legislation with
the passing of the Physical Activity and Sport Act. This Act confirmed the Government
of Canada’s policy regarding the full and fair participation of all persons in sport and
mandated the federal Minister responsible for sport to facilitate the participation of under-
represented groups in the Canadian sport system.
The Government of Canada has undertaken a number of steps and commitments to
bring meaningful and lasting change in the relationship with Aboriginal Peoples and has
situated Aboriginal issues in the upper echelon of federal policy and program priorities.
As set out in the last two Speeches from the Throne, the priority is to work with Aboriginal
Peoples so that they can participate fully in national life as well as share in Canada’s
prosperity.
The creation of the Cabinet Committee on Aboriginal Affairs and the Aboriginal
Affairs Secretariat at the Privy Council Office, as well as the Canada-Aboriginal Peoples
Roundtable, underline this commitment. A renewed relationship with Aboriginal Peoples
can only be built upon a realization of the uniqueness of Aboriginal cultures and a
recognition and awareness of the contribution of Aboriginal Peoples in Canada.
While Sport Canada has increasingly worked in partnership with Aboriginal Peoples
in support of their sport development efforts, a policy on the participation of Aboriginal
Peoples in sport further confirms and clarifies Sport Canada’s intentions in Aboriginal
sport development.
1 Reprinted with permission. © Minister of Public Works and Government Services Canada, 2005, Catalogue
No.: CH24-10/2005.

Aboriginal Peoples’ Participation in Sport
77
The Canadian Sport Policy
The Canadian Sport Policy seeks to improve the sport experience of all Canadians by
helping to ensure the harmonious and effective functioning, and transparency of their
sport system. The vision of the Canadian Sport Policy is to create a dynamic and leading-
edge sport environment that enables all Canadians to experience and enjoy involvement in
sport to the extent of their abilities and interests and, for increasing numbers, to perform
consistently and successfully at the highest competitive levels. Sport Canada’s Policy on
Aboriginal Peoples’ Participation in Sport aims to ensure that the vision of the Canadian
Sport Policy is inclusive; that it has the power to enhance the experience of — and access to
— sport for all, including Aboriginal Peoples living in Canada. Implicit is the recognition
that enhancing the sport experience for Aboriginal Peoples will only strengthen the value
base of Canada’s sport system and the quality of life of all people in Canada.
Accordingly, Sport Canada’s Policy on Aboriginal Peoples’ Participation in Sport will be
guided by the principles outlined in the Canadian Sport Policy:
• Sport is athlete/participant-centered
• Sport promotes leadership
• Sport is based on equity and access
• Sport is focused on development
• Sport champions excellence
• Sport serves the public interest
Further, Sport Canada’s Policy on Aboriginal Peoples’ Participation in Sport will contribute
to the Canadian Sport Policy by focusing on the following goals for Aboriginal Peoples in
sport:
• Enhanced Participation
• Enhanced Excellence
• Enhanced Capacity
• Enhanced Interaction
The definitions of key terms used throughout the policy are found in Appendix A.
Scope
The Government of Canada’s investment in sport is grounded in strong logic. Growing
evidence demonstrates that participation in sport has tremendous benefits to Canadians.
For example, in 1997, statistics suggested “that a 3% increase in sport and recreation
participation could save Canadian taxpayers $41 million in annual health care costs.”
2
Sport, as a tool for social development, has the ability to engage citizens and communities,
surmount social barriers and contribute to building a healthier, more cohesive society.
Sport builds pride in our nation through the performance of our athletes. Additionally,
sport enriches Canada’s cultural life by promoting Canadian values, including diversity.
2 Sport BC. Benets of Sport and Recreation. http://www.sport.bc.ca/downloads/FACTSHEET.pdf.

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Sport Canada is committed to a sport system in Canada that consists of a variety of
components necessary to promote the full participation of all peoples living in Canada. An
inclusive sport system serving a diverse population will, by necessity, include organizations,
programs and events that serve distinct populations. A sport system will also have core
organizations that, for reasons such as governing a sport, maximizing economies of scale,
and avoiding unnecessary duplication, will serve the general population.
Sport Canada will encourage cooperation and collaboration between and among
organizations serving distinct populations and those serving the general population to
ensure the goals of the Canadian Sport Policy are achieved and that opportunities for the
full and active participation in all aspects of sport, from the playground to the podium, are
available to all people living in Canada.
Sport Canada recognizes the power of sport to improve the lives of Aboriginal Peoples.
Indeed, sport has long been recognized by Aboriginal Peoples across Canada as a means
to combat some of the negative factors affecting Aboriginal communities, in particular
those affecting their youth.
3
In advancing the impact of sport as a social driver, this policy
recognizes that Sport Canada is only one partner in a vast network of stakeholders—
Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal, governmental and non-governmental—at the community
level through to the inter- national level. There are also larger social and economic issues
that contribute to inequity in sport. Nevertheless, Sport Canada will demonstrate leadership
and influence by working collaboratively with other federal government departments,
other governments, non-governmental organizations and Aboriginal Peoples to maximize
sport’s impact on the lives of Aboriginal Peoples.
Sport Canada is committed to contributing, through sport, to the health, wellness,
cultural identity and quality of life of Aboriginal Peoples. Therefore, its policy on Aboriginal
Peoples’ participation in sport endorses the Maskwachees Declaration (Appendix B).
Further, Sport Canada is committed to advancing the objectives of the Physical Activity
and Sport Act enacted in 2003 and which outlines new measures to reflect and strengthen
the Government of Canada’s current role in sport. Its objectives include, among others,
facilitating the participation of under-represented groups in the Canadian sport system,
including women, persons with a disability, visible minorities, and Aboriginal Peoples.
Sport and Aboriginal Peoples
Games, play—and more recently, sport—have always played an important role in Aboriginal
cultures, as traditional Aboriginal lifestyles were very physically active. Many sports
and games related to survival and the holistic development of individuals, families and
communities, and they centered on important principles within their belief systems and
cultural values. The holistic approach of Aboriginal Peoples emphasizes the development
of the whole person, balancing the physical, mental, emotional, cultural, and spiritual
aspects of life.
3 Winther, N., Nazer-Bloom, L.& Petch, V. (1995). A comprehensive overview of Development, the North
American Indigenous Games and Provincial/Territorial Aboriginal Sport Bodies. pg 2.

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79
In addition, this traditional Aboriginal perspective does not distinguish between sport,
recreation, and physical activity; all of these activities are intertwined and integral to
personal and community well being.
Aboriginal Peoples in Canada have worked diligently to highlight the values inherent to
Aboriginal Peoples’ participation in sport, and to bring the major barriers to participation
to the attention of both government and the Canadian sport system. This policy recognizes
that this movement will continue to make an impact on the healthy, active lifestyles of
Aboriginal Peoples. However, in view of achieving significant, long-term social change
through broad-based participation of Aboriginal Peoples in sport, a new, stronger
collaboration among Aboriginal Peoples, the Canadian sport community and all levels of
government is required. Appendix C provides an historical overview of federal involvement
in Aboriginal sport.
Sport and the Socio-economic issues specific to Aboriginal Peoples
In 1998, “Sport in Canada: Everybody’s Business” (‘The Mills Report’), in addressing the
state of Aboriginal Peoples and sport, stated that:
…“Aboriginal people have a poverty rate comparable to that found in developing
countries, an unemployment rate among adults of almost 25%, a poorly educated
population and a dramatic suicide rate, which among 10–19 year olds is more than 5
times higher than that of their non-Aboriginal counterparts. […] Forty- four percent
of Aboriginal people smoke daily, 61% report problems with alcohol abuse and 48%
report problems with drug abuse.”
4
Aboriginal People in Canada experience a profound disparity in health status. For example,
Canada is reacting to a crisis in the general population of Type II diabetes, yet the prevalence
in First Nations communities is significantly higher. For instance, the prevalence among
Canadian women 55–64 years of age is 5.4% but among First Nations women in the same
age bracket the prevalence is a staggering 34.1%.
5
Today’s Aboriginal youth—one of the
fastest growing segments of the Canadian population— are challenged by rising rates of
illness, such as Type II diabetes, heart disease, and fetal alcohol syndrome, and suffer from
higher rates of incarceration, substance abuse, suicide, racism, and a sedentary lifestyle.
Accordingly, the Mills Report highlighted the positive role played by sport and recreation
in strengthening the emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual aspects of Aboriginal life.
Aboriginal sport leaders from across Canada have also identified youth sport and recreation
“as one of the primary means for community wellness: as preventative medicine for the
social dilemma that Aboriginal youth face.”
6
4 Mills, Dennis (1998:87). Sport in Canada: Leadership, Partnership and Accountability—Everybody’s Business,
6th Report of the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage.
5 Young, T.K. et al. and FNIRHS Steering Committee and Canadian data from the NPHS, 1994–95.
6 Aboriginal Sport Circle (1998) Aboriginal Sport Development: e role of Coaching Development, the North
American Indigenous Games and Provincial/Territorial Aboriginal Sport Bodies.

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To be effective and meaningful, a policy on Aboriginal Peoples’ participation in sport
must recognize the socio-economic issues specific to Aboriginal Peoples as well as the
opportunities for social change through sport. See Appendix D for additional demographic
information on Aboriginal Peoples.
Barriers to Aboriginal Peoples’ Participation in Sport
An immediate priority for the full participation of Aboriginal Peoples in sport is to reduce
the number of widely recognized barriers to participation:
Awareness: There is a general lack of awareness, understanding and information
among Aboriginal Peoples about the benefits of being active in sport and the health
risks associated with inactivity.
Economic circumstance: The majority of Aboriginal Peoples in Canada face economic
difficulties, and many families simply cannot afford the cost of registration fees,
equipment and competition travel associated with sport.
Cultural insensitivity: Sport must provide a positive and welcoming environment
to attract and maintain its participants. Programs and activities that are insensitive
to the cultures and traditions of Aboriginal Peoples discourage their participation.
Coaching capacity: Aboriginal participation in sport is hindered by a lack of
Aboriginal coaches and coaches who are sensitive to Aboriginal cultures. Aboriginal
coaching development is hindered by the lack of access to coaching certification
courses and appropriate training materials.
Distance: A significant number of Aboriginal communities are situated in remote
locations with relatively small populations. The economics and logistics of travel
to access programs, facilities, expertise and equipment are barriers to Aboriginal
Peoples’ participation in sport.
Jurisdiction: The debate over government responsibility for financially supporting
the delivery of sport programs in Aboriginal communities and in urban Aboriginal
centres affects the potential investment in sport for Aboriginal Peoples. The silo
structure of governments can frustrate community access to programs and services
as well as individual departments seeking horizontal cooperation on issues that
cross a variety of departmental mandates.
Racism: Racism is an ongoing problem in Canadian society manifesting itself
in sport practice as it does in all socio-cultural practices. Racism is a socially
constructed idea that alienates many Aboriginal Peoples by causing fear, anxiety
and distrust, ultimately serving as a barrier to their full participation in Canadian
society, including sport.

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Sport infrastructure: Aboriginal communities (on-reserve) across Canada do not
have adequate sport or recreation infrastructure. Capital projects such as schools,
roads and housing take precedence over sport or recreation facilities. This lack of
facilities limits community access to daily recreation or physical activity programs,
including sport.
Guiding Principles
A policy on sport participation, which addresses the unique circumstances of Aboriginal
Peoples, must reflect a holistic approach, advance sport as a vehicle for social change, and
respect the diversity of Canada’s Aboriginal Peoples. Accordingly, Sport Canada will respect
the following principles:
1. Aboriginal cultures are an integral part of Canada’s culture and heritage.
2. There is increasing evidence of strong correlations between cultural continuity
and other factors that affect the quality of life of Aboriginal Peoples. Some of these
factors include sport, language revitalization, community cultural activities, and
bilingual education.
3. Aboriginal Peoples have significant traditional knowledge and cultural teachings of
play, games and sport.
4. First Nations (on/off reserve and status/non-status), Inuit and Métis, including
Aboriginal women, experience unique living conditions and social realities.
5. Aboriginal protocol must be respected when consulting or promoting federal sport
policies and program developments to Aboriginal Peoples.
6. Aboriginal Peoples in Canada live in a complex environment and geography.
Challenges exist in transportation and provision of competition and training
opportunities for Aboriginal Peoples living in remote locations.
7. Increasing Aboriginal Peoples’ participation in sport is enhanced by working with
Aboriginal sport leaders and through continued partnerships to achieve objectives
of common interest.
8. The sport continuum includes participation in activities from the playground to the
podium. Sport is a popular means to be physically active, especially among youth.
9. Aboriginal Peoples’ participation in sport is a strong, viable and integral component
of Canadian sport that should be recognized and valued by all Canadians.
10. An Aboriginal sport delivery system exists and it is important to work with the ASC,
its national body, to identify and address the areas of priority to advance Aboriginal
Peoples’ participation in sport.
Vision
The vision of the Sport Canada’s Policy on Aboriginal Peoples’ Participation in Sport is
for an enhanced Canadian sport system that is inclusive of, and adaptive to, Aboriginal
Peoples in which barriers to Aboriginal participation, at all levels and across all contexts,
are continually reduced and sport’s potential to drive socio-economic change in Aboriginal
communities is fully realized.

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Policy Statements
The following statements apply to the policies and programs of Sport Canada.
Enhanced Participation
Sport Canada is committed to involving a significantly higher proportion of Aboriginal
Peoples in quality sport activities at all levels and in all forms of participation. This work
will be guided by the belief that:
1. Aboriginal Peoples must have equitable access to programs, services, resources
and infrastructure to fully participate in the Canadian sport system and to increase
opportunities for Aboriginal Peoples participation in sport;
2. Programs, services and resources must recognize the unique needs of all Aboriginal
populations, including youth, girls and women and persons with a disability;
3. Activities involving Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal peoples and uniquely Aboriginal
activities can both play a positive role in enhancing the sport participation of
Aboriginal Peoples. It may be more appropriate for Aboriginal athletes, coaches
and officials to be enrolled in programs specifically intended for Aboriginal Peoples
for skill, social, cultural and/ or sport development reasons;
4. The NAIG, the Arctic Winter Games, and other similar events provide competitive
opportunities for Aboriginal athletes in an environment that reflects Aboriginal
cultures, values and lifestyles. They offer Aboriginal Peoples an opportunity to
share their cultural values with the broader Canadian public and internationally.
Participation in these Games enhances the development and delivery of sport
programs to Aboriginal Peoples from the community to national levels;
5. Increasing the participation of Aboriginal youth in all forms of sport will help them
address social and economic challenges and pro- vide constructive and optimistic
prospects for their development.
Enhanced Excellence
Sport Canada will strive to create an environment that welcomes an increasing number of
qualified Aboriginal athletes, coaches and officials who reach National Sport Organization
national team or high performance levels. This work will be guided by the belief that:
1. Access to, and support for, quality and meaningful training, developmental and
competitive opportunities are essential for the continued success and development
of Aboriginal athletes, coaches and officials.
Enhanced Capacity
Sport Canada will strive to enhance the capacity of individuals, communities and
organizations in support of Aboriginal sport in Canada. This work will be guided by the
belief that:

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1. The needs of Aboriginal Peoples in sport must be identified, promoted and
supported in policies and programs that are developed in consultation with the
Aboriginal sport community;
2. Aboriginal communities need appropriate facilities and resources to provide quality,
sustained, and culturally appropriate sport programs to their members;
3. There is a need to increase the number and the capacity of Aboriginal leaders
(i.e., coaches, officials, administrators, and volunteers) to strengthen sport within
Aboriginal communities and to provide athletes and sport leaders as role models
for youth;
4. Coaching and coaching development are important for the continued growth of
Aboriginal Peoples’ participation in sport. It is crucial that current and potential
coaches of Aboriginal athletes have equitable access to programs and resources
to help develop and perfect their skills. Aboriginal coaching materials positively
contribute to enhancing coaching in Canadian sport;
5. Research, data collection and progress evaluation are essential to increasing
participation and excellence in sport for Aboriginal Peoples;
6. All levels of program delivery must be culturally sensitive, flexible and adaptive to
the diverse needs of Aboriginal populations.
Enhanced Interaction
Sport Canada will strive to develop and strengthen cooperation and collaboration in sport
amongst governments, Aboriginal Peoples, sport organizations and interested stakeholders.
This work will be guided by the belief that:
1. Enhancing Aboriginal Peoples’ participation in sport can make significant
contributions to advancing the Government of Canada’s objectives. Building
stronger relations with other federal departments to identify and collectively
address shared objectives through sport will maximize results;
2. Enhancing Aboriginal Peoples’ participation in sport can make significant
contributions to advancing the objectives of Provincial/Territorial and Aboriginal
governments. Stronger relations among all Federal and Provincial/Territorial
government departments and Aboriginal governments in support of Aboriginal
Peoples’ participation in sport will maximize individual efforts to the benefit of
Aboriginal Peoples;
3. National Sport Organizations, Provincial/Territorial Sport Organizations,
Multisport Service Organizations and governments can play a key leadership role
in developing new and stronger partnerships and pro- grams with the Aboriginal
sport community and other stakeholders to increase the participation of Aboriginal
Peoples in sport;
4. Supporting the full participation of Aboriginal Peoples in sport demonstrates
Canada’s values, celebrates Canadian culture, and exhibits to the world our
commitment to human rights.

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Implementation
Sport Canada will develop and implement an Action Plan for the Policy on Aboriginal
Peoples’ Participation in Sport. The Aboriginal sport community, provincial and territorial
governments, federal government departments, national sport organizations, and
multisport service organizations need to be fully engaged to successfully implement the
Policy on Aboriginal Peoples’ Participation in Sport.
Conclusion
As the federal government Branch responsible for sport, Sport Canada supports the
achievement of excellence and the development of the Canadian sport system to strengthen
the unique contribution that sport makes to Canadian identity, culture and society. Sport
Canada recognizes that, for the goals of the Canadian Sport Policy to be achieved, the specific
values, barriers and realities of Aboriginal Peoples need to be identified and addressed. This
policy aims to drive the actions necessary to create and maintain an inclusive Canadian
sport system that supports Aboriginal participation in sport from playground to podium.

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Appendix A
Definitions
Aboriginal Peoples
The term Aboriginal Peoples in a constitutional context, the Constitution Act, 1982,
defines the Aboriginal Peoples of Canada as including Indians, Inuit and Metis.
Aboriginal Sport
Aboriginal sport refers to all nature of sport delivered, for the most part, by and for
Aboriginal Peoples by Aboriginal organizations at the local, regional, provincial/
territorial and national level.
Access
Access in the sporting environment is the freedom or ability to obtain or make
use of sport programming and facilities. Access for Aboriginal Peoples has been
hindered by poverty, the lack of culturally sensitive programs, and the lack of
facilities in remote areas.
Equitable Access
Equitable access, in this policy, refers to equal opportunity for Aboriginal Peoples
to participate in sport at the level they choose. There may still exist discrepancies
in sport services for individuals living in geographically remote areas or in
economically disadvantaged situations.
Equity
Equity refers to an environment that accepts the principles and practices of fair
and appropriate allocation of resources and opportunities for all people in Canada.
Equity takes into account different needs and circumstances. It means providing
appropriate opportunity for all people to succeed. Equity can be achieved by
ensuring full access to the tools of information, programs and services.
Inclusion
Inclusion refers to the process of viewing all individuals as equal members of society
in all aspects of daily living. This term can also be a value. “It is a way of thinking
that accepts diversity, and recognizes the uniqueness of each individual as a valued
member of society.”
7
7 National Aboriginal Disabilities and Literacy Action Conference Report (1995), Prepared for Human
Resources Canada. http://www.schoolnet.ca/aboriginal/disabl15/intro-e.html#define.

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Sport System
Sport system refers to sports played by people of all nationalities and which have
recognized sport organizations that guide them. These sports have extensive
competitive opportunities at the national and international levels. In Canada,
this would include organized sport organizations ranging from local sport clubs
and leagues and provincial/territorial sport organizations (e.g., Canoe Ontario)
to National Sport Federations (e.g., Athletics Canada), Multi- sport Service
Organizations (e.g., Coaching Association of Canada) and National Sport Centres.
Sport Development
Sport development can be described as a set of processes, policies and interventions
that are designed to enhance sport to achieve an increase in performance and
participation and the quality of the sport experience.
Youth
For the purposes of this policy, youth refers to individuals 24 years of age and under.

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Appendix B
Maskwachees Declaration
Federal-Provincial/Territorial Advisory Committee on Fitness and Recreation June 2000.
Preamble
We, the delegates of the National Recreation Roundtable on Aboriginal/ Indigenous Peoples,
held in Hobemma, Alberta, (Maskwachees) in February 2000, are deeply committed to
improving the health, wellness, cultural survival and quality of life of Aboriginal/Indigenous
Peoples, through physical activity, physical education, sport and recreation.
We affirm that the holistic concepts of Aboriginal cultures, given by the Creator and
taught by the Elders, promote balance through the integration of the physical, mental,
emotional and spiritual growth of the individual.
We recognize that many social issues including poverty; health concerns such as type II
diabetes, heart disease, and fetal alcohol syndrome; rates of incarceration; substance abuse;
harassment and racism; and a sedentary lifestyle have contributed to poor health and a low
quality of life for many Aboriginal/Indigenous People.
We recognize Canada’s endorsement of Article 3 of the United Nations Declaration on
the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and the recommendations from the Royal Com- mission
on Aboriginal Peoples dealing with recreation, sport and active living.
Strengths and Challenges
We are supported by these strengths:
• a willingness to respect partners and to work together with a readiness to learn and
lend;
• a commitment by the Federal/ Provincial/Territorial governments to reduce
inactivity among Canadians by 10% by 2003;
• a growing number of effective programs, policies and practices;
• Infrastructure development in the sport and recreation sector;
• a physically active Aboriginal/ Indigenous traditional lifestyle; and
• International documents/statements that recognize the importance of physical
activity, physical education, sport and recreation.
We are challenged by:
• the fact that Aboriginal youth are the fastest growing segment of the Canadian
population;
• the need to support, invite, integrate and use the knowledge of Elders in program
design and delivery;
• the lack of priority in allocation of adequate financial and human resources for
recreation and sport;

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• the complexity of the infrastructure independent rather than interdependent;
• the need to enhance communication and accountability between Aboriginal and
non-Aboriginal sport and recreation organizations and governments;
• the need for quality community based programs and services and the creation and
renewal of sport and recreation facilities;
• a learned attitude of helplessness and “who cares?” held by many;
• the lack of clear initiatives for capacity building at the community level;
• the need for more leaders and positive role models;
• the need to recognize success and celebrate participation;
• the need to ensure quality physical education in schools;
• the need to ensure recreation and sport are positive experiences; and
• the need to create, pursue and implement system-wide change that will result in
more flexible, creative, and responsive policies and practices.
Rationale
Traditional Lifestyles and Active Living, including physical education, physical activity,
sport, recreation and related cultural activity:
• offer preventive strategies that are much more powerful and cost effective than
reactive treatment strategies;
• provide personal development for success in life: for example, mutual respect,
honesty, teamwork, healthy work ethic, dealing with conflict, fair play, self-esteem,
pride and confidence;
• provide inclusive opportunities for all ages and cultures to interact and to develop
respect for each other;
• provide inclusive opportunities for leadership development and role modeling;
• provide opportunities for positive relationships and partnership building;
• increase activity levels across the life span to improve quality of life, enhance mental
health, and help reduce the incidence of osteoporosis, some types of cancer, and
conditions such as heart disease, type II diabetes and obesity;
• provide opportunities for developing a spiritual foundation of the individual,
incorporating traditional values; and
• provide opportunities for the family unit, including parents, to be involved in the
development of children, youth and communities.
We Declare that:
Sustainable commitment and investment in active living, physical activity, physical education,
recreation and sport are essential to promote health and address social issues facing Aboriginal/
Indigenous Peoples in communities across Canada.
And therefore, we call on all governments, non-governmental organizations, communities
and individuals to endorse this Declaration.

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Appendix C
Historical Overview of Federal Involvement in Aboriginal Peoples’ Participation In Sport
The Government of Canada has been involved in sport for Aboriginal Peoples since the late
1960s. However, in 1972 the federal government became formally involved in Aboriginal
sport on a wide- spread basis through the Native Sport and Recreation Program, managed by
Fitness and Amateur Sport (now Sport Canada). The early federal focus was on increasing
Aboriginal Peoples’ participation in competitive mainstream sport. With federal funding,
Aboriginal Peoples throughout Canada fostered the development of an all-Aboriginal sport
system, which included primarily mainstream sports like basketball and hockey.
In 1977, a review of the Native Sport and Recreation program administered by Fitness
and Amateur Sport raised concerns about the “cultural” nature of supported activities.
8
Aboriginal sport leaders had established a National Native Sport and Recreation Advisory
Council, housed at the National Indian Brotherhood (now the Assembly of First Nations),
to organize competitive opportunities for Aboriginal Peoples at the regional, national and
inter- national levels of sport. In 1981, Fitness and Amateur Sport published A Challenge to
the Nation: Fitness and Amateur Sport in the 80s, which emphasized the pursuit of excellence
in amateur sport as a federal focus, moving away from recreation, which was considered
the responsibility of provinces and municipalities.
9
The report did not identify Aboriginal
Peoples as a targeted group and funding for the Native Sport and Recreation Program was
discontinued as a result of the shift in policy directions.
10
In the late 1980s, there was a growing interest in the Aboriginal community to create
an Aboriginal Secretariat that would take responsibility for advancing Aboriginal sport in
Canada. At the same time, the NAIG were being developed through a grassroots movement.
The inaugural Games were held in Edmonton in 1990. The support demonstrated for these
two movements encouraged the Government of Canada to act.
In 1992, the Minister’s Task Force released a report titled, Sport: e Way Ahead, which
identified the needs of Aboriginal Peoples and supported the creation of an Aboriginal
Secretariat.
11
This led to the establishment of the Aboriginal Sport Circle, incorporated
under the Society Act in 1995.
12
The Aboriginal Sport Circle (ASC) is Canada’s national voice for Aboriginal sport
and recreation, which brings together interests of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples.
Established in 1995, the ASC was created through a national consensus-building process, in
8 Paraschak, V. (1995) e Native Sport and Recreation Program, 1972–1981: Patterns of Resistance, Patterns
of Reproduction. Canadian Journal of History of Sport. Volume 26 (2): 1–18. pg. 5.
9 Fitness and Amateur Sport (1981). A Challenge to the Nation: tness and amateur sport in the 80s.
10 Paraschak, V. (1995) e Native Sport and Recreation Program, 1972–1981: Patterns of Resistance, Patterns
of Reproduction. Canadian Journal of History of Sport. Volume 26 (2): 1–18. pg. 11.
11 Minister’s Task Force on Federal Sport Policy. (1992) Sport: the Way Ahead.
12 Paraschak, V. (2002). “Get Into the Mainstream”: Aboriginal Sport in Canada,
1967–2002. (Unpublished paper).

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response to the need for more accessible and equitable sport and recreation opportunities
for Aboriginal Peoples. The ASC is a collective of 14 Provincial/Territorial Aboriginal Sport
Bodies and is supported in its mandate by the Assembly of First Nations, the Métis National
Council, Congress of Aboriginal Peoples, and the Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami. The ASC is the
primary advocate for Aboriginal sport and serves as the domestic custodian for the NAIG.
The ASC promotes increased participation of Aboriginal Peoples in sport through the
development and delivery of holistic, culturally based programs.
It seeks strategic partnerships with governments and mainstream sport organizations
to bring much needed expertise to Aboriginal communities. The ASC focuses on three
primary needs: athlete development, coaching development and recognition of excellence.
The ASC is funded primarily by the Government of Canada through Sport Canada.
13
The Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples (1996) mentioned sport in five of its
400 recommendations.
14
Sport was seen as a way to bridge the gaps between Aboriginal
and non-Aboriginal youth, to build capacity in communities, to promote education, and
to advance culture. As a result of the information provided by the Royal Commission
on Aboriginal Peoples, the 1995 meeting of the Federal-Provincial/Territorial Ministers
responsible for fitness, recreation and sport recommended that the focus be placed on the
physical activity needs of the Aboriginal community. At the 1997 Ministers’ meeting, the
ASC presented a paper on the barriers to sport for Aboriginal Peoples and the Ministers
resolved to address these issues.
In February 2000, the Federal-Provincial/ Territorial Advisory Committee on Fitness and
Recreation hosted the National Recreation Roundtable on Aboriginal/ Indigenous Peoples,
resulting in the creation of the Maskwachees Declaration and the tabling of the Roundtable
Final Report outlining strategies and initiatives to help implement the Declaration. Other
government reports on sport in Canada, including Sport in Canada: Everyone’s Business
(the report of the Standing committee on Canadian Heritage, Sub-Committee on the Study
of Sport in Canada), have all supported increased equity in the Canadian sport system to
advance Aboriginal sport.
15
The Government of Canada has responded directly through it’s funding of the
Aboriginal Sport Circle, the North American Indigenous Games, and the Arctic Winter
Games.
The NAIG provide Aboriginal youth from Canada and the United States of America
(USA) an opportunity to showcase their heritage, history and culture through a variety
of sport and cultural events. “This two-week celebration demonstrates unity among
Indigenous Peoples from all regions and cultures across Canada and the USA through
13 Aboriginal Sport Circle. (www.aboriginalsportcircle.ca).
14 Government of Canada (1996). Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples. Ottawa: Ministry of Supply and
Services Canada.
15 Government of Canada (1998). Sport in Canada: Leadership, Partnership and Accountability—Everybody’s
Business, 6th Report of the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage.

Aboriginal Peoples’ Participation in Sport
91
friendly competition in sport and cultural events and helps to promote the holistic concepts
of physical, mental, cultural, and spiritual growth of individuals.”
16
The growth and development of the NAIG have been a success story for Aboriginal
sport in Canada. The first games were held in Edmonton in 1990 where 3,000 Aboriginal
athletes from across Canada and the United States of America participated. The 1993 Games
in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, involved 4,400 sport participants who competed on behalf
of the Indigenous peoples of their province, territory or state. In addition to the sporting
events, the 1993 NAIG included a cultural festival that attracted several hundred cultural
performers from across Canada and the USA. These Games also witnessed the birth of the
NAIG Council as the permanent governing structure for the NAIG. The 1995 Games held
in Blaine, Minnesota, marked the first time the NAIG has been held in the USA. According
to sport participation levels the 1995 Games were the largest to date with approximately
8,000 competitors. In 1997, Victoria, British Columbia, played host to the NAIG. These
Games drew participation from 26 teams (9 provinces/territories and 17 states). In total,
5,000 took part in the sport competition and over 3,000 in the cultural festival. At the 2002
Games in Winnipeg, 5,500 athletes were involved in 18 sport events, and approximately
2,500 artists participated in related cultural events.
17
The federal government has contributed to every Arctic Winter Games since
their inception in 1970. The Arctic Winter Games promote Canada’s leadership in the
circumpolar community of nations, preserve native traditions in sport and culture and
encourage sport system development. Canadian Heritage (Sport Canada) supports the
Arctic Winter Games as a strategic focus event and recognizes Arctic sports and Dene
games as traditional games. This circumpolar competition attracts 1,600 young athletes
from Canada, the USA, Greenland and two Russian provinces Magadam and Tyumen.
16 2002 North American Indigenous Games. (www.2002naig.ca).
17 Aboriginal Sport Circle. (www.aboriginalsportcircle.ca).

aboriginal policy studies
92
Appendix D
Demographic Information
According to the 2001 Census, Aboriginal Peoples now make up 3.3% of Canada’s population,
compared with 2.7% five years earlier. Of the 3.3% of the total Canadian population who
self-identify as Aboriginal in Canada, 62% are North American Indian, 30% are Metis and
5% are Inuit. About 3% identified with more than one Aboriginal group or declared that
they were Status Indians or band members who did not identify as being Aboriginal. A
total of 976,305 people across Canada identified themselves as Aboriginal; this represents
an increase of 22.2% from the 1996 Census, in which 799,010 people across the country
reported Aboriginal identity. By comparison, the general Canadian population grew by
only 4.7% between 1996 and 2001.
The 2001 Census also revealed that the Aboriginal population is much younger than
the general Canadian population. Half of the Aboriginal population are 24 years of age and
under compared to approximately 32% of the general Canadian population. One-third of
the Aboriginal population are 14 years of age and under compared to 18.3% of the general
Canadian population.
Proportionally, more Aboriginal children live in lone-parent families, both on reserves
and in urban areas. “In urban areas, 46% of Aboriginal children live in lone-parent families
compared with 17% of non-Aboriginal children. Amongst the Aboriginal groups, Inuit
children were the most likely to live in a two-parent family. Lone-parent families are
more likely to live in low-income situations and children in lone-parent families have
higher incidences of behavioural and emotional problems. Involvement in sport activities
can be beneficial to children in those situations, by increasing self-esteem and reducing
behavioural problems.”
18
There has been an increase in the percentage of Aboriginal Peoples living in urban
areas and a decline in the proportion living on-reserve. According to the 2001 Census,
almost one-half (49%) who identified themselves as Aboriginal lived in urban areas, while
those who lived on reserve and other settlements declined to 31%.
The average income for Aboriginal Peoples is much lower than for non-Aboriginals,
both in urban and rural areas. According to the latest available data from the 1996 census,
44% of Aboriginal Peoples living off-reserve in Canada’s provinces were below Statistics
Canada’s low-income cut- off, including 60% of children under the age of 6. The national
average was 20% for the entire population, and 25% for children under the age of 6.
“Educational attainment is lower among Aboriginal Peoples, as compared to the general
Canadian population, but the gap has been decreasing over the past twenty years. The
proportion of Aboriginal Peoples with a high school diploma increased from 21% in 1996
to 23% in 2001, while the share of those with post- secondary qualifications increased from
33% to 38% in the same time period.”
19
18 Minister’s Task Force on Federal Sport Policy. (1992) Sport: the Way Ahead.
19 Paraschak, V. (2002). “Get Into the Mainstream”: Aboriginal Sport in Canada, 1967–2002. (Unpublished
paper).

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Despite these improvements, the 2001 Census found that 43% of Aboriginal Peoples
had not completed high school compared to 15% of the general population. Only 6% of the
Aboriginal population had completed a university degree compared to 26% of the general
population.
Unemployment continues to be higher in the Aboriginal population. In 2001, the overall
unemployment rate for Aboriginal Peoples was 19.1%. The unemployment rate for non-
Aboriginal population was 7.1% in 2001. According to the 2001 Census, the average income
in the year 2000 for Aboriginal people on-reserve ($14,044) and off-reserve ($20,020)
remained considerably lower than for the general Canadian population ($30,023).
There has been an increasing interest in traditional knowledge among Aboriginal
Peoples in Canada. Traditional games are one aspect of traditional knowledge that can be
used to promote and increase the use of Aboriginal languages, especially among youth.
Overall, the 2001 Census data suggests a continuing decline in knowledge of Aboriginal
languages and also a decline for those reporting an Aboriginal mother tongue—first
language learned at home—(26% in 1996 and 20% in 2001). However, not all Aboriginal
languages showed a decline in the number of people with knowledge of an Aboriginal
language or those reporting an Aboriginal mother tongue as evident in the increase of
speakers for Dene and Inuktitut languages.