Ontario invests $5.2 million in Indigenous sports and recreation programs

Ontario announced $5.2 million in funding on September 29 to support hundreds of Indigenous-led sports and recreation programs connecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples across the province.

The investment is divided among three programs. The Sport Pathway for Ontario Native Wellness, which receives $1.3 million, operates in partnership with Indigenous Sport & Wellness Ontario and has reached more than 36,000 participants since 2018 through multi-sport camps, athlete and coach development clinics, tournaments, family wellness programs, sport equipment grants and competition at the North American Indigenous Games and National Aboriginal Hockey Championships.

The Community Aboriginal Recreation Activator (CARA) Program gets $1.45 million and supports up to 27 First Nations in hiring recreation "Activators" who plan and deliver community-driven sport, recreation and physical activity programming. Since 2018-19, CARA has reached more than 67,000 First Nations community members.

Youth Cultural Camps (YCC), receiving $2.5 million, supports 10 Indigenous organizations and communities delivering cultural, language and leadership programming through experiential and land-based activities. YCC has supported approximately 2,700 camps and programs to date, benefiting more than 78,000 Indigenous youth.

Minister of Sport Brian Saunderson said in a statement: "Sport and recreation should be accessible to everyone at every level, and today's announcement is another step in the province's plan to ensure every child in Ontario gets the opportunity to compete."

Greg Rickford, Minister of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation, added: "Meaningful reconciliation is rooted in partnerships and the empowerment of Indigenous youth and communities. Investments in Indigenous-led sport, recreation and cultural programs will enhance opportunities for Indigenous youth to build confidence, grow as leaders and engage in critical networks."

The province has invested nearly $50 million in Indigenous sport, recreation and cultural programming since 2018, reaching nearly 180,000 participants. The new funding also supports infrastructure projects through the Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund, including over $9 million toward a new multi-purpose complex in Wauzhushk Onigum Nation.