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:

Region	Recipient
Newfoundland and Labrador	Aboriginal Sport and Recreation Circle Newfoundland Labrador
New Brunswick	Aboriginal Sport and Recreation New Brunswick
National	Aboriginal Sport Circle
Northwest Territories	Indigenous Sports Circle of the Northwest Territories
Quebec	Commission de la santé et des services sociaux des Premières Nations du Québec et du Labrador
Prince Edward Island	Epekwitk Assembly of Councils Inc.
Saskatchewan	Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations
Nunavut	Government of Nunavut
Ontario	Indigenous Sport & Wellness Ontario
Alberta	Indigenous Sport Council Alberta
British Columbia	ISPARC Sport, Physical Activity & Recreation Council
Manitoba	Manitoba Aboriginal Sports and Recreation Council
Nova Scotia	Mi'kmaw-Kina'matnewey
Yukon	Yukon Aboriginal Sport Circle

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:

Region	Recipient
Prince Edward Island	Aboriginal Women's Association of PEI Inc,
Prince Edward Island	Lennox Island First Nation
Saskatchewan	All Nations Hope Network
Saskatchewan	Beardy's and Okemasis Cree Nation
Saskatchewan	Nekaneet First Nation
Saskatchewan	Pheasant Rump Nakota First Nation
Saskatchewan	Standing Buffalo Dakota Nation
Manitoba	Anishinaabe Agowidiiwinan Secretariat Inc. for Anishinaabe Nation in Treaty 2 Territory
Manitoba	Food Matters Manitoba
Manitoba	Neemu Egwah Inc.
Manitoba	Shawenim Abinoojiii Inc.
British Columbia	Aqam Community
British Columbia	Fort Nelson First Nation
British Columbia	Ktunaxa Nation Council Society
British Columbia	Malahat First Nation
British Columbia	NEC Native Education College
British Columbia	Nuu-chah-nulth Youth Warrior Family Society
British Columbia	Rising Tide Surf Society
British Columbia	Squamish Indian Band 555 (Squamish Nation)
British Columbia	Stein Valley Nlakapamux School Society – Number S-37383
Alberta	Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation
Alberta	Cousins Skateboard Community Association
Alberta	Gift Lake Métis Settlement
Alberta	Canadian Native Friendship Centre
Alberta	Kee Tas Kee Now Tribal Council Education Authority
Alberta	Mikisew Cree First Nation
Alberta	Transplant Amputee Native Support in Alberta Society
Alberta	Tsuut'ina Nation
Quebec	Centre d'amitié autochtone de Lanaudière
Quebec	Eeyou Istchee Sports and Recreation Association
Quebec	Cree First Nation of Waswanipi
Quebec	Cree Nation of Chisasibi -1
Quebec	Inukrock Climbers Club
Quebec	Isuarsivik Regional Recovery Centre
Quebec	Northern Village of Puvirnituq
Newfoundland and Labrador	Elmastukwek Archery Club Inc.
Newfoundland and Labrador	Port au Port Indian Band Inc.
Newfoundland and Labrador	Sheshatshiu Innu First Nation
New Brunswick	Fort Folly First Nation
New Brunswick	Wolastoqey Tribal Council Inc.
Ontario	Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug First Nation 209
Ontario	Nipissing First Nation
Ontario	Pikangikum First Nation
Ontario	Sagamok Anishnawbek
Ontario	Indigenous Roots Ottawa Association
Ontario	Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority
Northwest Territories	Déline Got'ine Government
Northwest Territories	Incorporated Hamlet of Tulita
Yukon	Liard First Nation
Yukon	Village of Teslin
Nunavut	Municipality of Iqaluit
Nunavut	Recreation and Parks Association of Nunavut
Nova Scotia	Pictou Landing First Nation Band Council
Nova Scotia	The Confederacy of Mainland Mi'kmaq

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:

Region	Recipient
Manitoba	Ikayuqtiit Incorporated
Manitoba	2Spirit Manitoba Inc.
Manitoba	Infinity Women Secretariat Inc.
Manitoba	Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre Inc.
Manitoba	Sagkeeng Child and Family Services Inc.
Prince Edward Island	Abegweit First Nation
Prince Edward Island	Lennox Island First Nation
British Columbia	BC Indigenous Housing Society
British Columbia	Canoe Cultures Society
British Columbia	Carrier Sekani Family Services
British Columbia	Indigenous Physical Activity & Cultural Circle
British Columbia	Aqam Community
British Columbia	Musqueam Indian Band
British Columbia	Red Earth Medicine: Foundation of Indigenous Ways of Knowing
British Columbia	Red Girl Rising Movement Society
British Columbia	Squamish Indian Band 555 (Squamish Nation)
British Columbia	Terry Lee Canoe Club/Docks Community Paddling Society
Quebec	Bande Indienne des Micmacs de Gaspé
Quebec	Conseil des Abénakis d'Odanak
Quebec	Cree Nation of Mistissini
Quebec	Institut Tshakapesh
Quebec	Nemaska
Quebec	Mohawk Council of Kahnawake
Quebec	Oujé-Bougoumou
Quebec	Waswanipi
New Brunswick	Bilijk
New Brunswick	Burnt Church Sports Association
Ontario	Hamilton Regional Indian Centre
Ontario	Kenora Chiefs Advisory Inc.
Ontario	Minwaashin Lodge: Indigenous Women's Support Centre
Ontario	Temiskaming Native Women's Support Group
Alberta	Fort McMurray 468 First Nation
Alberta	Gift Lake Métis Settlement
Alberta	Kee Tas Kee Now Tribal Council Education Authority Ltd.
Alberta	SaKaeah North
Alberta	Samson Cree Nation 3
Alberta	Whitefish Lake Band #128
Saskatchewan	File Hills Qu'Appelle Tribal Council Inc.
Saskatchewan	Aboriginal Friendship Centres of Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan	Beardy's and Okemasis Cree Nation
Saskatchewan	Buffalo River Dene Nation
Saskatchewan	Standing Buffalo
Saskatchewan	Whitecap Dakota Nation
Nova Scotia	Wagmatcook Band
Nova Scotia	We'koqma'q First Nation
Northwest Territories	Northern Games Society
Yukon	Council for Yukon First Nations
Nunavut	Sport Nunavut
Newfoundland and Labrador	Sheshatshiu Innu First Nation
Newfoundland and Labrador	St. George's Indian Band

Associated Links

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

SOURCE Canadian Heritage

Contacts: For more information (media only), please contact: Erik Nosaluk, Director of Communications, Office of the Minister of Sport and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada, 613-790-0373, [email protected]; Media Relations, Canadian Heritage, [email protected]