National Strategy - The Spirit of Sport
Background
In the fall of 2021, the Aboriginal Sport Circle (ASC) was entrusted with developing a National Strategy for Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity, and Recreation in Canada — a milestone in an advocacy effort that had been underway since at least 2016. Its development followed a phased approach, beginning in the winter of 2022, and was shaped by extensive consultation and research. Over three and a half years, the ASC engaged with individuals, communities, and organizations across every region of Canada, explored key issues, and facilitated both in-person and virtual national meetings and gatherings. This wealth of knowledge was carefully consolidated, addressing gaps and analyzing critical challenges. The process culminated in the formal report Phase 1: Reimagining Our Future, submitted to Sport Canada in the spring of 2024. The framework established in that report was further strengthened and refined, leading to the creation of the National Strategy as it stands today asThe Spirit of Sport – Active Together. You can find the document in English & French.
The Vision for the Next Decade (2025-2035)
The National Strategy for Indigenous Peoples’ Participation in Sport, Physical Activity, and Recreation envisions a future where all Indigenous peoples in Canada — across all ages, abilities, and regions — have access to meaningful opportunities that inspire hope, foster well-being, and strengthen communities and Indigenous nationhood. This future is shaped by Indigenous needs and interests, ensuring a self-determined Indigenous sport, physical activity, and recreation system that prospers alongside, and at times connects with, an inclusive Canadian system.
It does this by setting a clear direction for fostering culturally appropriate engagement, policy development, and systemic change across Canada’s Indigenous and non-Indigenous sport, physical activity, and recreation sector. Grounded in the insights and leadership of First Nation, Métis, and Inuit peoples, communities, and organizations it ensures that actions are shaped by those who have the clearest vision of what is working well, what needs to change, and why change is needed, as well as how to get to their preferred vision for the future.
As a ten-year initiative, the National Strategy serves as both a vision and a roadmap, laying the foundation for Indigenous peoples, communities, and Nations to flourish through sport, physical activity, and recreation. It focuses on building culturally responsive systems that not only promote Indigenous well-being and empowerment but also reshape relationships, institutions, and policies within the broader Canadian landscape to be inclusive, equitable, and respectful of Indigenous cultures, communities, and Nations.
At the heart of this strategy is the recognition and restoration of Indigenous ways of knowing, being, and doing. This includes revitalizing Indigenous sports, games, and land-based activities, while integrating cultural values and teachings that support holistic well-being. By reaffirming a collective commitment to honouring Indigenous cultures, traditions, and rights, this strategy acknowledges the perseverance and agency of Indigenous peoples in reimagining, reclaiming, and rebuilding a future through sport, physical activity and recreation — one that aligns with their vision for health, community, and self-determination in Canada.
Once implemented, the National Strategy will serve as a powerful framework for collaboration, empowering stakeholders to build alliances, share best practices, and enhance operational capacity. Most significantly, the proposed tenfold increase in investment will be a game-changer for the entire sport, physical activity, and recreation sector. This substantial funding boost will drive transformative action, ensuring sustained progress toward well-defined priorities that foster Indigenous participation, leadership, and self-determination. By expanding resources and opportunities at an unprecedented scale, this investment will help create a more inclusive, equitable, and culturally responsive system that supports Indigenous peoples, communities, and Nations for generations to come.
ASC as "Strategy Stewards"
While the ASC will assume key responsibilities in this ten-year journey, The Spirit of Sport – Active Together extends far beyond any single organization. Given the vast and complex ecosystem of sport, physical activity, and recreation in Canada, there is ample work to be done. But as the steward and advocate of this strategy, the ASC will lead the charge by partnering with stakeholders to develop and implement action plans, monitor progress, and make necessary adjustments along the way.
