Athlete Support

The ASC, in partnership with Sport for Life, is working to create the best experience in Indigenous sport and recreation. In doing so, the partnership recognizes that many of Canada's mainstream sport pathways do not reflect the needs and cultural priorities of Indigenous peoples. The aim of this partnership is to increase the percentage of Indigenous children who become physical literate, define a pathway for Indigenous athletes into high performance sport and to increase the number of Indigenous peoples who are active for life.

Indigenous Long-term Participant Development (ILTPD)

The Indigenous Long-Term Participant Development Pathway resource presents a roadmap for developing sport and physical activity among Indigenous peoples. It is a reference for those who work with Indigenous participants in sport and recreation. The Indigenous Long-Term Participant Development Pathway has grown out of the understanding that mainstream pathways for sport development do not necessarily align with Indigenous needs or experiences. As such, the Indigenous Long-Term Participant Development Pathway tries to address that gap by outlining the key elements that need to be considered when planning, developing, and implementing programs for and with Indigenous peoples and Indigenous communities.

Sport for Life

Sport means different things to different Indigenous people and groups. For many Indigenous people, the primary purpose of sport is to build self-esteem among youth. Sport and activity gives youth a sense of purpose and direction, and, in some cases, helps them to engage in more appropriate activity during their free time while they find their way in the world.

In the Truth and Reconciliation Report (2015), sport and recreation are identified as tools for social development to improve the health and wellbeing of individuals and communities. This is the underlying rationale for this resource - to save lives and to build healthier Indigenous people, who contribute to healthier communities. A by-product of that is more Indigenous athletes pursuing sport excellence and standing on top of the podium. This resource seeks to provide guidance for that sport journey - from the playground to the podium - and everywhere in between.

To create the best experience in Indigenous sport and recreation, we need to recognize that many parts of Canada's mainstream sport pathway do not reflect the needs and cultural priorities of Indigenous peoples. Accordingly, the Indigenous Long-Term Participant Development Pathway presents a framework that tries to respond to their real needs and goals.

To book a workshop, contact: jcarpenter@aboriginalsportcircle.ca

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