National Indigenous Sport Strategy Launch Marks Milestone in Ottawa

February 19, 2026

OTTAWA, ON - The Aboriginal Sport Circle (ASC) officially launched The Spirit of Sport - Active Together, a National Strategy for Indigenous Peoples' Participation in Sport, Physical Activity, and Recreation in Canada, at an event held in Ottawa on February 18. The launch brought together Indigenous leaders, educators, community representatives, sport organizations, policymakers, and partners from across the country to recognize this important milestone for Indigenous sport in Canada.

The National Strategy is the result of a multi-year, Indigenous-led process. Entrusted to the ASC in 2021, its development began in 2022 and was shaped by extensive consultation and research with First Nations, Métis, and Inuit individuals, communities, and organizations in regions across Canada. The Strategy sets out a ten-year vision to strengthen Indigenous sport, physical activity, and recreation systems rooted in Indigenous cultures, values, and leadership. It also supports stronger connections with the broader Canadian sport system.

Sharing the Strategy marks an important milestone in the Aboriginal Sport Circle's advocacy efforts, which have been underway since 2016. The National Strategy is also embedded within the pan-Canadian approach of the Canadian Sport Policy (2025-2035), endorsed in August 2025. For the first time, Indigenous priorities are integrated into Canada's primary sport policy framework, helping guide future federal, provincial, and territorial actions.

"The Government of Canada acknowledges that sport and physical activity have positive impacts for Canadians and the importance of ensuring that these impacts are felt by all, including Indigenous Peoples from every corner of Turtle Island. This launch marks an important milestone for the Aboriginal Sport Circle's National Strategy for Indigenous Peoples' Participation in Sport, Physical Activity, and Recreation in Canada. We look forward to the implementation and continued engagement with all communities and partners to ensure that all can benefit from the power of sport." - The Honourable Adam van Koeverden, Secretary of State (Sport)

"The Spirit of Sport - Active Together is grounded in what Indigenous Peoples shared about their experiences, challenges, and visions for the future," said Rob Newman, President of the
Aboriginal Sport Circle. "The Strategy is about strengthening Indigenous leadership and making space for Indigenous ways of knowing, being, and doing in sport, physical activity, and recreation."

The launch marks the beginning of a national awareness and engagement effort that will continue in the months ahead. Through partnerships, knowledge sharing, and collaboration, the ASC will work alongside Indigenous and non-Indigenous partners to support early implementation of the Strategy and build momentum across the Canadian sport system.

The National Strategy is available in both English and French. Organizations across sport, physical activity, recreation, and education are encouraged to review the Strategy and consider how it can inform their policies, programs, and partnerships.

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About the Aboriginal Sport Circle

The Aboriginal Sport Circle (ASC) is Canada's national voice for Aboriginal sport, physical activity, and recreation bringing together the interests of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples.

Established in 1995, the ASC was created through a national consensus-building process, in response to the need for more accessible and equitable sport and recreation opportunities for Aboriginal peoples. This mandate has expanded to include physical activity as well as expand advocacy and program areas again, to include health, nutrition, physical education, wellness.

As a member-based organization, each regional association carries the mandate to represent the grassroots interests of the Aboriginal peoples in their jurisdiction. It is their collective regional voice that guides the direction of the ASC and establishes its national priorities. Through partnerships and collaborations, the ASC supports expertise in athlete and coaching development, physical literacy and physical activity programs to Aboriginal communities throughout Canada.

The ASC is also the franchise holder for the North American Indigenous Games (NAIG), and annually hosts the National Aboriginal Hockey Championships (NAHC), in addition to effecting policy change at the highest levels of government.

Media Contacts
Katie Hughes
Aboriginal Sport Circle
ascoffice@aboriginalsportcircle.ca

 

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