Aboriginal Sport Circle welcomes federal investment in Indigenous-led sport

November 5, 2026

OTTAWA - November 5, 2026 - The Aboriginal Sport Circle (ASC) welcomes the Government of Canada's investment in sport through Budget 2026 and thanks the government for its support of ASC and Indigenous youth athletes.

Budget 2026 includes $4 million annually for four years for Indigenous-led sport and recreation.

This investment enables the ASC to continue advancing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada's Calls to Action 87 to 91, including support for Indigenous athletes, long-term athlete development, the North American Indigenous Games and culturally relevant programming.

"Every First Nations, Inuit or Métis athlete deserves the chance to see how far sport can take them, and that starts with being able to get in the game and having the support to stay in it," said Jaclyn Guenette, Executive Director, Aboriginal Sport Circle. "We thank the Government of Canada for investing in the organizations that make those opportunities possible, from a first practice to competition on the world stage."

This investment comes at a pivotal time for sport in Canada. The Future of Sport in Canada Commission called for urgent investment in the sport system and for Indigenous Peoples to have a meaningful role in decisions about sport policy, programming and funding. ASC will continue to work with the Government of Canada to implement The Spirit of Sport - Active Together, the 10-year National Strategy for Indigenous Peoples' Participation in Sport, Physical Activity and Recreation in Canada, which sets out Indigenous-led priorities that can guide how this investment reaches communities.

"Reconciliation in sport means Indigenous Peoples have the resources and authority to shape what happens next," said Rob Newman, President, Aboriginal Sport Circle. "We welcome this investment because it strengthens work Indigenous sport organizations are already leading. Alongside our provincial and territorial members, we'll continue advancing The Spirit of Sport - Active Together and acting on the Truth and Reconciliation Commissions' sport-related Calls to Action."

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 [at] aboriginalsportcircle [dot] ca

 

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