On National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, the Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity and Recreation Council (I·SPARC) and our sector partners encourage athletes/participants, coaches, community leaders, volunteers, and organizations across the province to utilize their platforms to amplify stories of how sport and physical activity can be a bridge towards reconciliation.
I·SPARC stands at the intersection of holistic health, culture, and unity and recognizes the profound impact that we all can have in the journey towards reconciliation.
Breaking Down Barriers, Building Bridges
Sport and physical activity possess a unique power — they unite us in a shared passion, transcending the boundaries of race, background, and beliefs. The arenas, fields, and playgrounds become spaces where differences dissolve, and a common purpose unites us. Sport and physical activity not only bridge divides between communities but also within individuals. The essence of training, competition, teamwork, and shared objectives can help dismantle stereotypes and misconceptions. Through open dialogue and intercultural exchanges, sport and physical activity challenge biases and nurture genuine connections between diverse groups.
This National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we invite you to celebrate the strength of our diversity and the power of sport and physical activity to heal, educate, and bring us together. Through shared experiences and open conversations, we can continue our collective journey towards a more inclusive and understanding society.
Sport and Physical Activity are Powerful Agents for Social Change
We want to celebrate and bring awareness to the important work that organizations, like BC Ultimate, are undertaking through their support for the implementation of the Indigenous Long-Term Participant Development Pathway.
BC Ultimate’s Community Ultimate Spirit Program (CUSP) is creating opportunities for Indigenous participation in the sport of Ultimate. In consultation with I·SPARC and community, the program was co-designed with a holistic and culturally appropriate approach. CUSP is delivered in a way that provides a safe and welcoming environment for Indigenous people.
By sharing the game of Ultimate to Indigenous communities, the CUSP program puts reconciliation into action. It is being used as a vehicle to build relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth and communities. Please watch and share these stories about how this program is a powerful agent for social change and has the ability to achieve key social developmental outcomes in communities:
News continued below the videos
Resources and events
To engage in meaningful reflection and action on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, consider exploring and taking part in the following:
- On Sept. 30, the BC Sports Hall of Fame will be hosting special programs throughout the museum and offering free admission. This is a great opportunity to visit the award-winning Indigenous Sport Gallery, allowing people the opportunity to learn about Indigenous athletes and teams who have made significant contributions to BC sport heritage. Celebrating its fifth anniversary, the Gallery takes great pride in honouring the rich history and showcasing the outstanding contributions made by First Nations, Inuit and Métis athletes, teams, coaches, builders, and volunteers. This includes a special section that recognizes the 2022 Premier’s Awards for Indigenous Youth Excellence in Sport recipients. The BC Sports Hall of Fame will be offering FREE admission for those wearing orange on Saturday, Sept. 30 for National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Visitors can learn about the impact of Indigenous athletes in BC sports despite the racism and adversity they have faced, and the Hall will have an interactive activity for people to reflect on the meaning of truth and reconciliation.
BC Sports Hall of Fame Digital Version of the Indigenous sport gallery
- The Premier’s Awards for Indigenous Youth Excellence in Sport recognizes athletes who have achieved excellence in performance sport and are regarded for their leadership qualities both on and off the field of play. Nominations for the 2023 Awards are now being accepted for youth athletes 24 years of age or younger (born in 1999 or later) who are competing in performance sport. More information can be found here: https://isparc.ca/grants-recognition/premiersawards/
- We encourage everyone to download and share your Reconciliation Commitment (click here to download) on your digital platforms including social media and websites. Include examples of actions individuals and organizations can take to advance reconciliation and be sure to include the hashtag: #NDTRCommitment and #ISPARCCommitmenttoNDTR.
Inclusivity is a fundamental principle of both sport and reconciliation. By providing equal opportunities for people from all walks of life, sport sends a powerful message of unity. I·SPARC and our sector partners believe in creating spaces where everyone is not only welcomed but celebrated. For Indigenous athletes, sport is more than a game — it’s a source of empowerment and healing. It allows them to embrace their heritage proudly while showcasing their skills on a global stage.
Join I·SPARC in honouring National Day for Truth and Reconciliation through sport and physical activity. Together, let’s break barriers, build bridges, and empower communities.
