Soccer and Lacrosse Development Camps Announced
I∙SPARC is pleased to announce its upcoming BC Indigenous Provincial Athlete Development Camps for soccer and lacrosse. 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 winter season. [...]
Honouring National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
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 [...]
Apply to Become a FitNation Leader – Winter 2024
If you have a passion for creating safe spaces; want to encourage physical, mental, and emotional wellness; and support Indigenous communities to be physically active, then we encourage you to apply for our FitNation Winter Leader Training! This Winter, I·SPARC will welcome 12 new FitNation leaders to participate in 3-days of experiential learning, providing the skills and resources to design and deliver an 8-week FitNation program in their own communities. Selected leaders will learn exercise techniques from master facilitators, including [...]
Now Accepting Nominations – 2024 Premier’s Awards for Indigenous Youth Excellence in Sport
The Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity & Recreation Council (I·SPARC) is pleased to announce that the nomination period is now open to nominate athletes for the 2024 Premier’s Awards for Indigenous Youth Excellence in Sport. OVERVIEW 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. The awards were founded in 2015 and boast an impressive list of [...]
I·SPARC Honours the Recipients of the Provincial 2023 Premier’s Awards
NEWS RELEASE 2023 Provincial Recipients Announced for Premier’s Awards for Indigenous Youth Excellence in Sport Ten Outstanding Indigenous Athletes Receive Prestigious Award Traditional Territory of the lək̓ʷəŋən peoples / Victoria B.C. (September 5, 2024) – The Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity and Recreation Council (I·SPARC) is pleased to announce the 10 outstanding athletes named as provincial recipients of the 2023 Premier’s Awards for Indigenous Youth Excellence in Sport. Cheyenne Simicak, Softball & Baseball, Gitxsan Nation - Gitanmaax Lincoln Wall, Lacrosse, Métis [...]
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 [...]