I·SPARC 2023/2024 Annual Report Released
The Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity & Recreation Council (I·SPARC) is pleased to release its 2023-24 Annual Report. This report provides an overview of the many programs I·SPARC offers throughout the province, including Healthy Living Offerings, Team BC achievements, 2023 Premier's Awards for Indigenous Youth Excellence in Sport, and various community sport programs. Throughout the fiscal year, there were 21,426 program participants throughout 18 unique programs. The report goes into depth about all the accomplishments from the organization, along with a [...]
Employment Notice, Food Systems Program
The Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity & Recreation Council (I·SPARC) is excited to announce an employment opportunity for the position of Provincial Coordinator, Engagement, Food Systems Program. This exciting and dynamic role will support Indigenous communities in BC in achieving their distinct food security and food sovereignty goals. I·SPARC is now in the third year of implementing the Food Systems Program (FSP), funded in partnership with the First Nations Health Authority. The FSP distributes grants and provides support with capacity building [...]
Regional Leader Training Registration is Now Open
Become an Indigenous RunWalk or Honour Your Health Challenge Leader! The Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity & Recreation Council (I·SPARC) is excited to announce the registration for the 2024 Regional Healthy Living Leader Training sessions is now OPEN! Join us for two days filled with learning, movement, and laughter. These sessions are complimentary for those working within Indigenous communities who want to deliver an Honour Your Health Challenge or Indigenous RunWalkWheel program. Eligibility: Healthy Living Leader Training is open to individuals [...]
I∙SPARC Announces Provincial Softball and Canoe/Kayak Camps
I∙SPARC is pleased to announce its upcoming BC Indigenous Provincial Athlete Development Camps for softball and canoe / kayak. 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, Metis, 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 including soccer, [...]
SAVE THE DATE – Healthy Living Leader Training
The Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity and Recreation Council (I·SPARC) is excited to announce the 2024 Regional Healthy Living Leader Training sessions will be open for registration Monday August 19 2024! These sessions are complimentary for those working within Indigenous communities who want to deliver an Honour Your Health Challenge or Indigenous RunWalkWheel program. Eligibility: Healthy Living Leader Training is open to individuals who are interested in promoting health and wellness within their community, schools, Friendship Centres, Métis Chartered Communities, recreation centres, [...]
Canadian Olympic Contingent Includes Five Indigenous Athletes
REPOSTED ARTICLE FROM Windspeaker.com By Sam Laskaris Updated July 23 with a newly named addition to the Canadian Olympic team, Shalaya Valenzuela. About 10,500 athletes from around the world are getting ready to participate in the world’s most prestigious multi-sport competition. The list of Canadians who will take part in the Summer Olympics, which kick off July 26 in Paris, France, includes four Indigenous athletes. They are wrestler Justina Di Stasio, swimmer Apollo Hess, diver Margo Erlam and Fynn McCarthy, [...]
Basketball Athlete Expression of Interest – National Indigenous Basketball Camp
I∙SPARC is pleased to announce the National Indigenous Basketball Camp (NIBC). The NIBC is a high-performance Indigenous basketball camp with the goal of providing opportunities for Indigenous youth between the ages of 13-15 with high-performance potential to further develop and excel through basketball both on and off-court. This project is being organized by both the Aboriginal Sport Circle and Canada Basketball. The mission is to increase the representation of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit participation in high- performance basketball programs at [...]
BC Indigenous Development Camps – Golf Sign-up is Live
I∙SPARC is pleased to launch its 2024-25 BC Indigenous Development Camps. The first camp presented is the Indigenous Golf Development Camp this July. This camp is in partnership with British Columbia Golf and Nak'azdli Whut'en.This two-day event is being held on July 20 - 21, 2024 at the Stuart Lake Golf Club in Fort St. James, BC.Indigenous youth (First Nations, Métis, Inuit), ages 10-18 are invited to participate.Clubs are available for those you do not own a set. Sign up through:https://isparcbc.wufoo.com/forms/mqeiql81a1quk9/ Additional sport [...]
2024 Youth Lifeguard Leadership Camp – Now Taking Applications
I∙SPARC (Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity & Recreation Council) is pleased to present the Provincial Lifeguarding Leadership Camp, hosted in partnership with the Aboriginal Youth F.I.R.S.T. Program (Futures in Recreation & Sport Training). This weeklong camp is open to self-identified Indigenous youth (First Nation, Métis, Inuit) of all ages and will introduce the sport of Lifesaving & Lifeguarding for both beginners and advanced athletes. The camp will be delivered by certified Lifesaving Society and PADI instructors. Dates: August 25 – September [...]
2024 National Indigenous Coaching Awards Nominations
CALL FOR NOMINATIONS The Aboriginal Sport Circle is thrilled to announce the launch of the 2024 National Indigenous Coaching Awards. These awards honour the accomplishments of Indigenous Coaches within a given program year of May 31, 2023, to May 31, 2024. Nominees must: be an Indigenous coach (First Nations, Inuit, or Métis) be actively involved in their sport within the year of nomination demonstrate sportsmanship, fair play, role modeling, and commitment to a holistic lifestyle This nomination must be submitted [...]
Application Process Open for I·SPARC Board Positions
As a volunteer directed society, the Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity & Recreation Council (I·SPARC) is seeking three individuals who possess an assortment of business skill sets to serve on its board. The three new Directors will fill the following positions: One individual who is a citizen or member of a British Columbia First Nation Community One individual who is a citizens of the Métis Nation of British Columbia One individual who is associated with a British Columbia Aboriginal [...]
Now Open – Food Systems Program Grant for 2024-25
I·SPARC is happy to announce the launch of the Food Systems Program grant for the 2024-25 program year. The Food Systems Program – funded by FNHA and managed by I·SPARC – supports food sovereignty and food security efforts in First Nations and Indigenous populations throughout BC. Approved communities and organizations will receive funding in an amount up to $5,000, as well as access to additional support through networking opportunities and knowledge sharing sessions delivered virtually and in-person throughout the year. [...]