Government of Canada investing $24.2 million in Indigenous sport programs to empower First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities

The Government of Canada announces $24.2 million in funding for sport for social development projects in Indigenous communities across the country

VANCOUVER, BC, Feb. 7, 2025 /CNW/ – The Government of Canada is committed to supporting First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities in building strong and healthy communities across the country.

The transformative power of sport is key to achieving this goal. Today, the Honourable Terry Duguid, Minister of Sport and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada, announced the 2024–2026 funding recipients for the Sport for Social Development in Indigenous Communities (SSDIC) program.

The $24.2-million investment will support 119 Indigenous-led projects, expanding access to sport and physical activity for communities from coast to coast to coast. These initiatives will prioritize culturally relevant and community-designed programming to empower Indigenous people, including youth, women, girls, 2SLGBTQI+ individuals and persons with disabilities.

In Vancouver, approximately $642,000 will be invested in seven Indigenous-led projects aimed at expanding access to sport and physical activity.

Since 2019, the SSDIC program, in collaboration with Indigenous-led organizations and governments, has benefited hundreds of communities across Canada.

Please consult the backgrounders for a detailed list of 2024–2026 Stream One, Stream Two and Stream Three recipients.

Quotes

“Sport unites communities, builds strong bonds and promotes healthier lives. The Government of Canada is proud to support Indigenous-led initiatives that provide culturally relevant sport opportunities for First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples nationwide. Through the SSDIC program, Indigenous partners are breaking down barriers and creating lasting, positive change through sport.”

     —The Honourable Terry Duguid, Minister of Sport and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada

“Sport connects communities. This $24.2-million investment in Indigenous-led sport programs reinforces our commitment to culturally relevant, community-designed initiatives that expand access to sport and physical activity nationwide. In Vancouver, nearly $642,000 supports seven projects developed by Indigenous organizations that build stronger, healthier communities.”

     —The Honourable Hedy Fry, Member of Parliament (Vancouver Centre)

“The Aboriginal Sport Circle (ASC) values the commitment of Sport Canada to the Sport and Social Development in Indigenous Communities funding streams. These investments empower Indigenous-led initiatives that break down barriers and create opportunities for First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities to engage in sport, physical activity and recreation. These funding streams play a crucial role in addressing Indigenous calls for action and justice, fostering leadership, strengthening relationships, and enriching the holistic well-being of Indigenous youth and communities nationwide. As the national voice for Indigenous sport, physical activity and recreation, the ASC is proud to be part of this transformative work, championing the growth of strong, vibrant communities through sport and social development.”

     —Vanessa McGregor, Executive Director, Aboriginal Sport Circle

“We are incredibly grateful to Minister Duguid and Sport Canada for this funding, which provides critical resources for us to deliver a broad range of community-based sport development and health promotion programs throughout British Columbia. With these funds, we are able to collaborate with Indigenous communities and sport and physical activity sector partners to design programs that reduce barriers and increase access to culturally relevant initiatives that advance the health and well-being of Indigenous youth and families throughout the province.”

     —Rick Brant, Chief Executive Officer, Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity and Recreation Council (I-SPARC)

Quick Facts

• Sport for social development is defined as the intentional use of sport or physical activity to achieve social outcomes.
  
  
• The Sport for Social Development in Indigenous Communities program is focused on supporting positive outcomes in the areas of health, education, at-risk behaviour and/or employability, consistent with priorities set out in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action 7, 19, 38 and 66, and with Calls for Justice 3.1 and 7.3 of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.
  
  
• The SSDIC component of the Sport Support Program has three funding streams.
  
  
  • Stream One: In the 2024–2026 funding cycle, $10.6 million will be distributed to the 13 Provincial/Territorial Aboriginal Sport Bodies (PTASBs) and the Aboriginal Sport Circle (ASC) to develop sports community programming.
    
    
  • Stream Two: In the 2024–2026 funding cycle, $7.1 million will be distributed to Indigenous governments, communities and other not-for-profit Indigenous organizations to support projects that promote sport and recreation in Indigenous communities. These investments will be delivered through 55 projects across the country.
    
    
  • Stream Three: In the 2024–2026 funding cycle, $6.25 million will be distributed to Indigenous governments, communities and other not-for-profit Indigenous organizations that provide opportunities for Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQI+ people to participate in meaningful sports activities. Drawn from the Calls for Justice of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, the Stream Three social development goals focus on physical and mental health, suicide prevention, sexual trafficking awareness and prevention, safe and healthy relationships, and sexual positivity (2SLGBTQI+). These investments will be delivered through 50 projects across the country.

Related Products

Backgrounder: 2024-2026 Sport for Social Development in Indigenous Communities Stream One Funded Applicants

Detailed list of 2024–2026 Sport for Social Development in Indigenous Communities (SSDIC) Stream One recipients:

Backgrounder: 2024–2026 Sport for Social Development in Indigenous Communities Stream Two Funded Applicants

Detailed list of 2024–2026 Sport for Social Development in Indigenous Communities (SSDIC) Stream Two recipients:

Backgrounder: 2024–2026 Sport for Social Development in Indigenous Communities Stream Three Funded Applicants

Detailed list of 2024–2026 Sport for Social Development in Indigenous Communities (SSDIC) Stream Three recipients:

Associated Links

• Sport for Social Development in Indigenous Communities
• Sport Canada
• Aboriginal Sport Circle
• Provincial/Territorial Aboriginal Sport Bodies

SOURCE Canadian Heritage

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