Safe Participation

I·SPARC’s Commitment Statement to Safe Participation

The Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity and Recreation Council (I·SPARC) is committed to creating, promoting and maintaining positive, inclusive, safe and respectful sport, physical activity, recreation, and wellness environments for all participants, that are free from all forms of maltreatment, prejudice and discrimination. Improving the health outcomes of Indigenous peoples across BC can only be achieved by proactively taking measures to prevent harm, to respond appropriately when incidents do occur, and build strong communities together.  We will work collaboratively with all individuals, organizations, communities, and stakeholders to promote safe practices, to educate and promote a holistic approach that emphasizes the importance of the physical, emotional, psychological, and cultural safety of participants, and to continuously evaluate and improve our policies, procedures, and ways of working. Our goal is to foster a culture of safety for all, where everyone feels valued, respected, empowered, and heard, and to preserve the rights of every participant.  I·SPARC works to set an example for the Indigenous sport, physical activity, recreation, and wellness community in BC and work towards deep rooted and long-lasting change.

What is “safe participation”?
Safe participation is all-encompassing, referring to physical, emotional, psychological and cultural safety for all participants. 

Physical safety refers to reducing the risk of injuries, concussion management, appropriate and progressive return to training and competition after injury, proper access to and use of equipment, etc. Creating physical environments that are designed for all types of participants is also a consideration for physical safety. Protecting participants from any form of physical harm, injury, violence or abuse is central to physical safety. 

Emotional safety stresses the creation of an environment where participants feel secure and supported in expressing their emotions, thoughts, and concerns without fear of judgment, prejudice, ridicule, or retribution, promoting their overall well-being and mental health.  

Psychological safety focuses on cultivating an atmosphere where participants, coaches, leaders, community members, families, officials, and others feel comfortable and empowered to take risks, share their ideas, ask questions, and engage in open and honest communication without the fear of negative consequences or retaliation. 

Cultural safety emphasizes creating an inclusive and respectful environment that recognizes and embraces the diversity of participants, considering their cultural backgrounds, values, and beliefs, and actively working to prevent any form of discrimination, prejudice, or bias based on cultural differences. Cultural safety promotions the infusion of culture, language and holistic approaches to programming, to foster an increased sense of cultural identity and pride. 

Approach to Safe Participation

I·SPARC takes a holistic approach to safe participation and offers the following resources and supports to create, promote and maintain positive, inclusive, safe and respectful environments for all. Our goal is to ensure that all participants (including event registrants, leaders, coaches, managers, officials, event organizers, staff, families, communities and volunteers), have access to the resources to create a positive, inclusive, safe and respectful environment for all I·SPARC programs. 

Should you have any questions regarding any of the resources below, please reach out to safesport@isparc.ca. 

1. Team BC Code of Conduct
The Team BC Code of Conduct (revised March 2023) has been created for all members of Team BC. All Team BC Mission Staff, Coaches, Managers, Volunteers and Athletes have been asked to review and sign the code of conduct as a requirement to participate in Team BC at the National Aboriginal Hockey Championships (NAHC) or the North American Indigenous Games (NAIG). Team BC Code of Conduct: CLICK HERE.

2. Criminal Record Checks
I·SPARC understands that screening employees, coaches and volunteers is a vital part of creating, promoting and maintaining a safe environment for all participants. I·SPARC requires all employees, coaches / leaders and volunteers aged 19 and older to provide a valid Criminal Record Check (CRC). Criminal Record Checks are valid for a period of one year. I·SPARC may also, at any time, request that an individual working as a staff member, coach / leader, or volunteer update their Criminal Record Check if it is believed that the results of the previous CRC are no longer accurate.

3. How to File a Complaint or Raise a Concern
If you or anyone you know have a complaint or wish to raise a concern regarding safe participation at any I·SPARC-related event, or if you have concerns about any I·SPARC staff, coaches / leaders or volunteers, please contact safesport@isparc.ca.  

If you are currently part of Team BC competing at the 2023 North American Indigenous Games and have a safety concern or complaint, please contact a member of the Team BC Mission Staff onsite (Michelle Webster, Chef de Mission) or email safesport@isparc.ca with teambc@isparc.ca in copy. 

4. Education, Prevention and Community Empowerment
Prevention of maltreatment and misconduct in the I·SPARC environment begins with education and awareness about safe participation through tools, resources, and support from I·SPARC. I·SPARC has identified tools and resources to help staff, leaders, participants, volunteers, staff, families, and communities build the knowledge and skillset needed to create a positive, inclusive, safe, and respectful sport environment. These resources also aim to help you recognize and prevent maltreatment and misconduct in all I·SPARC program settings.  PLEASE NOTE: These resources are available to the general public and have not been endorsed by, nor reviewed through an Indigenous lens by I·SPARC.