Aboriginal Sport Circle and Sport Integrity Canada Sign Letter of Intent to Advance Culturally Responsive Safe Sport

July 29, 2026

OTTAWA (July 29, 2026) - The Aboriginal Sport Circle (ASC) and Sport Integrity Canada have signed a Letter of Intent establishing a shared commitment to advancing a safe sport system that is culturally respectful, inclusive and responsive to the needs of Indigenous participants across Canada.

The agreement supports ASC's adoption of the Canadian Safe Sport Program (CSSP) and the Universal Code of Conduct to Prevent and Address Maltreatment in Sport (UCCMS), while creating a framework for ongoing collaboration to ensure Indigenous perspectives, values and ways of knowing continue to inform the evolution of Canada's safe sport system.

Grounded in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada's Calls to Action and the principles of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, the Letter of Intent recognizes the vital role of sport in the wellbeing, identity and cultural continuity of First Nations, Inuit and Métis people.

"This Letter of Intent reflects an important step toward ensuring safe sport is also culturally safe," said Jaclyn Guenette, Executive Director, Aboriginal Sport Circle. "It recognizes that Indigenous participants deserve policies and processes that respect their cultures, communities and lived experiences, and creates a path for us to work together toward that goal."

The Letter of Intent establishes a foundation for ongoing collaboration between ASC and Sport Integrity Canada. The agreement includes commitments to culturally respectful implementation of the CSSP, enhanced cultural awareness and training, culturally appropriate supports for Indigenous participants and continued engagement to strengthen Canada's safe sport framework.

"We are grateful to the Aboriginal Sport Circle for working with us and sharing its knowledge and perspectives as we continue to strengthen the Canadian Safe Sport Program," said Signy Arnason, Executive Director, Safe Sport, Sport Integrity Canada. "Together, we are committed to ensuring Indigenous perspectives help inform the policies, practices, and approaches that support safe sport."

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About the Aboriginal Sport Circle
The Aboriginal Sport Circle (ASC) is Canada's national voice for Indigenous sport, physical activity and recreation. Working with First Nations, Inuit and Métis partners across the country, ASC advances equitable opportunities for Indigenous peoples to participate, compete and lead through sport. Guided by its provincial and territorial member organizations, ASC supports athlete and coach development, community wellness and national advocacy to strengthen Indigenous sport systems and communities. As steward of the National Strategy for Indigenous Peoples' Participation in Sport, Physical Activity and Recreation in Canada, ASC is the franchise holder for the North American Indigenous Games (NAIG) and leads the National Aboriginal Hockey Championships (NAHC). www.aboriginalsportcircle.ca

About Sport Integrity Canada
Sport Integrity Canada is an independent, national, not-for-profit organization that works to protect and promote the integrity of sport in Canada. Through the administration of our programs, including the Canadian Safe Sport Program, the Canadian Anti-Doping Program, and the new Canadian Program to Prevent Competition Manipulation, we strive to ensure sport is safe, clean, and fair. Sport Integrity Canada acknowledges funding from the Government of Canada. For more information, visit sportintegrity.ca, follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook or Bluesky.

For further information, please contact:
Julie Hawrishok, Communications Manager, Aboriginal Sport Circle
613-451-2785
jhawrishok@aboriginalsportcircle.ca

Sport Integrity Canada
613 521-3340 x3233
communications@sportintegrity.ca

 

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