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News release From: Canadian Heritage VANCOUVER, February 7, 2025 The Government of Canada is committed to supporting First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities in building strong and healthy communities across the country. The transformative power of sport is key to achieving this goal. Today, the Honourable Terry Duguid, Minister of Sport and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada, announced the 2024–2026 funding recipients for the Sport for Social Development in Indigenous Communities (SSDIC) program. The $24.2-million investment will support 119 [...]

I∙SPARC is excited to announce that Tammy Watson has been selected as the new Manager of Sport Development and Community Engagement, stepping in to fill the role previously held by Michelle Webster. Tammy brings her enthusiasm and strong commitment to fostering meaningful relationships with our communities, partners, and team members to the position along with her experience as Northeast Regional Coordinator with I·SPARC. We look forward to Tammy supporting the team of Regional Coordinators and our sport development initiatives and [...]

January 17, 2025 As a volunteer directed Society, I·SPARC is seeking up to two individuals to fill positions on its Nominating Committee. The Nominating Committee is responsible for ensuring that I·SPARC’s Board of Directors is composed of qualified and skilled persons capable of, and committed to, providing effective governance leadership for the organization. The Committee is governed by a Terms of Reference. Nomination Committee Terms of Reference Applicants for this committee role should also reflect our values and priorities and are responsive [...]

The Greater Victoria Sports Awards (GVSA) are looking for nominations for the Alex Nelson ‘Ok’wilagame’ Indigenous Female & Male Athlete of the Year. This award is for athletes from Greater Victoria or with a connection to this region. In 2023, the award was given out to Shalaya Valenzuela (Rugby) and Blake Swan (Lacrosse). The ‘Ok’ilagame’ Indigenous Athlete of the Year Submission is based on the athlete’s accomplishments from January 2024 to February 2025. Nominations can recognize singular or multiple sports [...]

I∙SPARC is pleased to announce its upcoming BC Indigenous Provincial Athlete Development Camps for arctic sports and basketball. These camps are an important component of the Provincial Strategy for Indigenous Sport, Recreation and Physical Activity. The events provide a unique opportunity for Indigenous (First Nations, Métis, and Inuit) athletes and coaches throughout the province to gather and compete in events that promote sport excellence while celebrating cultural unity and pride. Stay tuned to future announcements about upcoming sports in the [...]

The Aboriginal Sport Circle (ASC) is excited to announce that the bid process for hosting the 2026 National Aboriginal Hockey Championships (NAHC) is now open! The ASC established the Championships in 2002 to serve as the premier competition for young Indigenous hockey players in Canada. The ASC owns the event and annual co-hosts with a Host Community. An exciting blend of sport and culture, the NAHC provides a forum for elite U15/U18 aged Indigenous youth to not only compete for [...]

I∙SPARC is pleased to announce its upcoming BC Indigenous Provincial Athlete Development Camps for volleyball. This camp in partnership with Volleyball BC and Upper Skeena Recreation Centre. The one-day event is being held on Sunday, December 8 at the Upper Skeena Recreation Centre in Hazelton, BC. Indigenous youth (First Nations, Métis, Inuit), ages 10-18 are invited to participate. I∙SPARC requests that interested athletes register before 4PM on Tuesday, December 3 2024.       These camps are an important component [...]

I·SPARC, in partnership with the BC Regional Sport Alliance, is pleased to present these in-person gatherings that will bring together Indigenous community champions, coaches, leaders, recreation managers, youth workers, and other advocates in the fields of sport, recreation, physical activity, health, and education to LEARN, SHARE, EXPLORE and ENGAGE. Workshops will be delivered by both I·SPARC and our BC Regional Sport Alliance partners and will include valuable education and training and/or certification opportunities. We invite you to attend and participate [...]

The Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity & Recreation Council (I·SPARC) has two career opportunities for Regional Sport and Physical Activity Coordinators, in the Interior and Fraser Regions. I·SPARC is a provincial organization established for the purpose of improving the health outcomes of Indigenous people by supporting and encouraging physically active individuals, families, and communities. The programs and services delivered by I·SPARC are designed to build capacity and increase access to sport, recreation, and physical activity in First Nations, Aboriginal Friendship Centres, [...]