Aboriginal Sport Circle marks National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

September 30, 2026

Aboriginal Sport Circle marks National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

ASC honours Survivors and calls on the sport sector to carry the work of reconciliation beyond September 30.

September 30, 2026 - OTTAWA - Today, the Aboriginal Sport Circle (ASC) honours the children who never returned home from residential schools, the Survivors and the families and communities who continue to live with their impacts.

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a time to listen to Survivors, learn the truth about residential schools and reflect on the responsibilities we carry beyond September 30.

For those of us working in sport the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action also give specific direction. Calls 87 to 91 address the recognition of Indigenous athletes, sustained support for the North American Indigenous Games, inclusive sport policies and programs and respect for Indigenous protocols when major events are held. They ask the sport system to examine whose stories are told, who can participate and who helps make decisions.

"Today asks us to make space for truth, especially the truths Survivors have worked so hard to share," said Jaclyn Guenette, Executive Director, Aboriginal Sport Circle. "In sport, we have clear responsibilities. We can listen to Indigenous athletes and communities, support Indigenous leadership and work with partners to remove barriers that have been allowed to persist."

ASC is the steward of The Spirit of Sport - Active Together, the national Strategy for Indigenous Peoples' Participation in Sport, Physical Activity and Recreation. Developed through engagement across Canada, the Strategy identifies advancing the sport-related Calls to Action as a priority. Its work depends on sustained action by government, sport organizations and partners alongside Indigenous communities.

ASC encourages everyone in sport to take time today to learn from Indigenous-led resources and consider what they can change in their own organizations:

• National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation - Survivor testimony, records and learning resources.
• Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action - Read all 94 Calls to Action, including Calls 87 to 91 on sport
• Indigenous voices on reconciliation - First Nations, Inuit and Métis storytellers share personal stories of culture, resilience, and hope. Their unique perspectives invite reflection on Canada's past and our collective journey toward reconciliation.
• Orange Shirt Society - Learn how the orange shirt has become a symbol of hope, reconciliation and a commitment to a better future.
• The Spirit of Sport - Active Together - The National Strategy and its priorities for change across sport, physical activity and recreation.

Support is available. A National Residential School Crisis Line is available to provide support to former Residential School students and their families. You can access emotional and crisis referral services by calling the free of charge 24-Hour National Crisis Line at 1-866-925-4419.

Indigenous peoples across Canada can also connect with The Hope for Wellness Help Line 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for counselling and crisis intervention. Call the toll-free help line at 1-855-242-3310 or connect to the online chat.

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

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Contact:
Julie Hawrishok, Communications Manager, Aboriginal Sport Circle
613-451-2785
jhawrishok@aboriginalsportcircle.ca

 

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