The Government of Canada is accepting applications for projects across the country under the Sport for Social Development in Indigenous Communities program.

ʺThrough this initiative, our government is working with Indigenous communities to use sport as a tool that will bring us closer to reconciliation and effect positive social change. Sports offer great learning and development opportunities for everyone, including Indigenous communities. Those initiatives are making a meaningful difference in the lives of Indigenous youth and their families. Our government is proud to be working hand in hand with Indigenous partners and counterparts. We wish them all best of luck with their wonderful projects.”

—The Honourable Pascale St-Onge, Minister of Sport and Minister responsible for the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec

“The Aboriginal Sport Circle (ASC) would like to congratulate the Provincial/Territorial Aboriginal Sport Bodies (PTASBs) on all the continued work being done in all regions to support and empower Indigenous sport, physical activity and recreation. The PTASBs have achieved great things in the face of daunting and challenging times and have remained committed to building stronger and healthier communities.

The ASC would like to acknowledge the commitment that Sport Canada has made through direct investments in the PTASBs and thus into the development of Indigenous Peoples through the Sport for Social Development in Indigenous Communities funding.

The ASC, with the PTASBs, looks forward to continued dialogue to ensure investments are informed by and advance the needs of Indigenous communities in Canada.”

—Matt Tapper, Chief Executive Officer, Aboriginal Sport Circle

• Stream One and Two of the Sport for Social Development in Indigenous Communities component of the Sport Support Program focus on supporting improved health, education and employability and the reduction of at-risk behaviour. These are consistent with the priorities of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action 7, 19, and 38. 

• Stream One: $5.3 million is available annually to the 13 Provincial/Territorial Aboriginal Sport Bodies and the Aboriginal Sport Circle for the development of sport community projects. The deadline to submit applications for formula-based funding is January 9, 2023.

• Stream Two: $3.6 million is available annually to Indigenous governments, communities and other not-for-profit Indigenous organizations, as well as non-Indigenous delivery organizations in authentic partnership with an Indigenous organization(s), for projects that promote sport in Indigenous communities. The deadline to submit their applications is January 17, 2023.

• The Government of Canada is the largest financial supporter of sport in this country.

Associated links

• Sport for Social Development in Indigenous Communities
• Sport Canada
• Aboriginal Sport Circle
• Provincial/Territorial Aboriginal Sport Bodies

For more information (media only), please contact:

Ariane Joazard-Bélizaire
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Sport and Minister responsible for the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec
ariane.joazard-belizaire@pch.gc.ca

Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
1-819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
media@pch.gc.ca