Appendix

Appendix A

Definitions

Aboriginal Peoples
The term Aboriginal Peoples in a constitutional context, the Constitution Act, 1982, defines the Aboriginal Peoples of Canada as including Indians, Inuit and Metis.

Aboriginal Sport
Aboriginal sport refers to all nature of sport delivered, for the most part, by and for Aboriginal Peoples by Aboriginal organizations at the local, regional, provincial/territorial and national level.

Access
Access in the sporting environment is the freedom or ability to obtain or make use of sport programming and facilities. Access for Aboriginal Peoples has been hindered by poverty, the lack of culturally sensitive programs, and the lack of facilities in remote areas.

Equitable access
Equitable access, in this policy, refers to equal opportunity for Aboriginal Peoples to participate in sport at the level they choose. There may still exist discrepancies in sport services for individuals living in geographically remote areas or in economically disadvantaged situations.

Equity
Equity refers to an environment that accepts the principles and practices of fair and appropriate allocation of resources and opportunities for all people in Canada. Equity takes into account different needs and circumstances. It means providing appropriate opportunity for all people to succeed. Equity can be achieved by ensuring full access to the tools of information, programs and services.

Inclusion
Inclusion refers to the process of viewing all individuals as equal members of society in all aspects of daily living. This term can also be a value."It is a way of thinking that accepts diversity, and recognizes the uniqueness of each individual as a valued member of society." [6]

Sport system
Sport system refers to sports played by people of all nationalities and which have recognized sport organizations that guide them. These sports have extensive competitive opportunities at the national and international levels. In Canada, this would include organized sport organizations ranging from local sport clubs and leagues and provincial/territorial sport organizations (e.g., Canoe Ontario) to National Sport Federations (e.g., Athletics Canada), Multisport Service Organizations (e.g., Coaching Association of Canada) and National Sport Centres.

Sport Development
Sport development can be described as a set of processes, policies and interventions that are designed to enhance sport to achieve an increase in performance and participation and the quality of the sport experience.

Youth
For the purposes of this policy, youth refers to individuals 24 years of age and under.

Appendix B

Maskwachees Declaration

Federal-Provincial/Territorial Advisory Committee on Fitness and Recreation June, 2000.

Preamble

We, the delegates of the National Recreation Roundtable on Aboriginal/ Indigenous Peoples, held in Hobemma, Alberta, (Maskwachees) in February 2000, are deeply committed to improving the health, wellness, cultural survival and quality of life of Aboriginal/Indigenous Peoples, through physical activity, physical education, sport and recreation.

We affirm that the holistic concepts of Aboriginal cultures, given by the Creator and taught by the Elders, promote balance through the integration of the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual growth of the individual.

We recognize that many social issues including poverty; health concerns such as type II diabetes, heart disease, and fetal alcohol syndrome; rates of incarceration; substance abuse; harassment and racism; and a sedentary lifestyle have contributed to poor health and a low quality of life for many Aboriginal/Indigenous People.

We recognize Canada's endorsement of Article 3 of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and the recommendations from the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples dealing with recreation, sport and active living.

Strengths and Challenges

We are supported by these strengths:

  • a willingness to respect partners and to work together with a readiness to learn and lend;

  • a commitment by the Federal/Provincial/Territorial governments to reduce inactivity among Canadians by 10% by 2003;

  • a growing number of effective programs, policies and practices;

  • infrastructure development in the sport and recreation sector;

  • a physically active Aboriginal/Indigenous traditional lifestyle; and

  • international documents/statements that recognize the importance of physical activity, physical education, sport and recreation.

We are challenged by:

  • the fact that Aboriginal youth are the fastest growing segment of the Canadian population;

  • the need to support, invite, integrate and use the knowledge of Elders in program design and delivery;

  • the lack of priority in allocation of adequate financial and human resources for recreation and sport;

  • the complexity of the infrastructure independent rather than interdependent;

  • the need to enhance communication and accountability between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal sport and recreation organizations and governments;

  • the need for quality community based programs and services and the creation and renewal of sport and recreation facilities;

  • a learned attitude of helplessness and "who cares?" held by many;

  • the lack of clear initiatives for capacity building at the community level;

  • the need for more leaders and positive role models;

  • the need to recognize success and celebrate participation;

  • the need to ensure quality physical education in schools;

  • the need to ensure recreation and sport are positive experiences; and

  • the need to create, pursue and implement system-wide change that will result in more flexible, creative, and responsive policies and practices.

Rationale

Traditional Lifestyles and Active Living, including physical education, physical activity, sport, recreation and related cultural activity:

  • offer preventive strategies that are much more powerful and cost effective than reactive treatment strategies;

  • provide personal development for success in life: for example, mutual respect, honesty, teamwork, healthy work ethic, dealing with conflict, fair play, self-esteem, pride and confidence;

  • provide inclusive opportunities for all ages and cultures to interact and to develop respect for each other;

  • provide inclusive opportunities for leadership development and role modeling;

  • provide opportunities for positive relationships and partnership building;

  • increase activity levels across the life span to improve quality of life, enhance mental health, and help reduce the incidence of osteoporosis, some types of cancer, and conditions such as heart disease, type II diabetes and obesity;

  • provide opportunities for developing a spiritual foundation of the individual, incorporating traditional values; and

  • provide opportunities for the family unit, including parents, to be involved in the development of children, youth and communities.

We Declare that:

Sustainable commitment and investment in active living, physical activity, physical education, recreation and sport are essential to promote health and address social issues facingAboriginal/Indigenous Peoples in communities across Canada.

And therefore, we call on all governments, non-governmental organizations, communities and individuals to endorse this Declaration.

Appendix C

Historical Overview of Federal Involvement in Aboriginal Peoples' Participation In Sport

The Government of Canada has been involved in sport for Aboriginal Peoples since the late 1960s. However, in 1972 the federal government became formally involved in Aboriginal sport on a widespread basis through the Native Sport and Recreation Program, managed by Fitness and Amateur Sport (now Sport Canada). The early federal focus was on increasing Aboriginal Peoples' participation in competitive mainstream sport. With federal funding, Aboriginal Peoples throughout Canada fostered the development of an all-Aboriginal sport system, which included primarily mainstream sports like basketball and hockey.

In 1977, a review of the Native Sport and Recreation program administered by Fitness and Amateur Sport raised concerns about the "cultural" nature of supported activities.[7] Aboriginal sport leaders had established a National Native Sport and Recreation Advisory Council, housed at the National Indian Brotherhood (now the Assembly of First Nations), to organize competitive opportunities for Aboriginal Peoples at the regional, national and international levels of sport. In 1981, Fitness and Amateur Sport published A Challenge to the Nation: Fitness and Amateur Sport in the 80s, which emphasized the pursuit of excellence in amateur sport as a federal focus, moving away from recreation, which was considered the responsibility of provinces and municipalities.[8] The report did not identify Aboriginal Peoples as a targeted group and funding for the Native Sport and Recreation Program was discontinued as a result of the shift in policy directions.[9]

In the late 1980s, there was a growing interest in the Aboriginal community to create an Aboriginal Secretariat that would take responsibility for advancing Aboriginal sport in Canada. At the same time, the NAIG were being developed through a grassroots movement. The inaugural Games were held in Edmonton in 1990. The support demonstrated for these two movements encouraged the Government of Canada to act.

In 1992, the Minister's Task Force released a report titled, Sport: The Way Ahead, which identified the needs of Aboriginal Peoples and supported the creation of an Aboriginal Secretariat.[10] This led to the establishment of the Aboriginal Sport Circle, incorporated under the Society Act in 1995.[11]

The Aboriginal Sport Circle (ASC) is Canada's national voice for Aboriginal sport and recreation, which brings together interests of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. Established in 1995, the ASC was created through a national consensusbuilding process, in response to the need for more accessible and equitable sport and recreation opportunities for Aboriginal Peoples. The ASC is a collective of 14 Provincial/Territorial Aboriginal Sport Bodies and is supported in its mandate by the Assembly of First Nations, the Métis National Council, Congress of Aboriginal Peoples, and the Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami. The ASC is the primary advocate for Aboriginal sport and serves as the domestic custodian for the NAIG.

The ASC promotes increased participation of Aboriginal Peoples in sport through the development and delivery of holistic, culturally based programs.

It seeks strategic partnerships with governments and mainstream sport organizations to bring much needed expertise to Aboriginal communities. The ASC focuses on three primary needs: athlete development, coaching development and recognition of excellence. The ASC is funded primarily by the Government of Canada through Sport Canada.[12]

The Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples (1996) mentioned sport in five of its 400 recommendations.[13] Sport was seen as a way to bridge the gaps between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal youth, to build capacity in communities, to promote education, and to advance culture. As a result of the information provided by the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples, the 1995 meeting of the Federal-Provincial/Territorial Ministers responsible for fitness, recreation and sport recommended that the focus be placed on the physical activity needs of the Aboriginal community. At the 1997 Ministers' meeting, the ASC presented a paper on the barriers to sport for Aboriginal Peoples and the Ministers resolved to address these issues.

In February 2000, the Federal-Provincial/Territorial Advisory Committee on Fitness and Recreation hosted the National Recreation Roundtable on Aboriginal/ IndigenousPeoples, resulting in the creation of the Maskwachees Declaration and the tabling of the Roundtable Final Report outlining strategies and initiatives to help implement the Declaration. Other government reports on sport in Canada, including Sport in Canada: Everyone's Business (the report of the Standing committee on Canadian Heritage, Sub-Committee on the Study of Sport in Canada), have all supported increased equity in the Canadian sport system to advance Aboriginal sport.[14] The Government of Canada has responded directly through it's funding of the Aboriginal Sport Circle, the North American Indigenous Games, and the Arctic Winter Games.

The NAIG provide Aboriginal youth from Canada and the United States of America (USA) an opportunity to showcase their heritage, history and culture through a variety of sport and cultural events. "This two-week celebration demonstrates unity among Indigenous Peoples from all regions and cultures across Canada and the USA through friendly competition in sport and cultural events and helps to promote the holistic concepts of physical, mental, cultural, and spiritual growth of individuals."[15]

The growth and development of the NAIG have been a success story for Aboriginal sport in Canada. The first games were held in Edmonton in 1990 where 3,000 Aboriginal athletes from across Canada and the United States of America participated. The 1993 Games in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, involved 4,400 sport participants who competed on behalf of the Indigenous peoples of their province, territory or state. In addition to the sporting events, the 1993 NAIG included a cultural festival that attracted several hundred cultural performers from across Canada and the USA. These Games also witnessed the birth of the NAIG Council as the permanent governing structure for the NAIG. The 1995 Games held in Blaine, Minnesota, marked the first time the NAIG has been held in the USA. According to sport participation levels the 1995 Games were the largest to date with approximately 8,000 competitors. In 1997, Victoria, British Columbia, played host to the NAIG. These Games drew participation from 26 teams (9 provinces/territories and 17 states). In total, 5,000 took part in the sport competition and over 3,000 in the cultural festival. At the 2002 Games in Winnipeg, 5,500 athletes were involved in 18 sport events, and approximately 2,500 artists participated in related cultural events. [16]

The federal government has contributed to every Arctic Winter Games since their inception in 1970. The Arctic Winter Games promote Canada's leadership in the circumpolar community of nations, preserve native traditions in sport and culture and encourage sport system development. Canadian Heritage (Sport Canada) supports the Arctic Winter Games as a strategic focus event and recognizes Arctic sports and Dene games as traditional games. This circumpolar competition attracts 1,600 young athletes from Canada, the USA, Greenland and two Russian provinces Magadam and Tyumen.

Appendix D

Demographic Information

According to the 2001 Census, Aboriginal Peoples now make up 3.3% of Canada's population, compared with 2.7% five years earlier. Of the 3.3% of the total Canadian population who self-identify as Aboriginal in Canada, 62% are North American Indian, 30% are Metis and 5% are Inuit. About 3% identified with more than one Aboriginal group or declared that they were Status Indians or band members who did not identify as being Aboriginal. A total of 976,305 people across Canada identified themselves as Aboriginal; this represents an increase of 22.2% from the 1996 Census, in which 799,010 people across the country reported Aboriginal identity. By comparison, the general Canadian population grew by only 4.7% between 1996 and 2001.

The 2001 Census also revealed that the Aboriginal population is much younger than the general Canadian population. Half of the Aboriginal population are 24 years of age and under compared to approximately 32% of the general Canadian population. One-third of the Aboriginal population are 14 years of age and under compared to 18.3% of the general Canadian population.

Proportionally, more Aboriginal children live in lone-parent families, both on reserves and in urban areas. "In urban areas, 46% of Aboriginal children live in lone-parent families compared with 17% of non-Aboriginal children. Amongst the Aboriginal groups, Inuit children were the most likely to live in a two-parent family.

Lone-parent families are more likely to live in low-income situations and children in lone-parent families have higher incidences of behavioural and emotional problems. Involvement in sport activities can be beneficial to children in those situations, by increasing self-esteem and reducing behavioural problems." 10

There has been an increase in the percentage of Aboriginal Peoples living in urban areas and a decline in the proportion living on-reserve. According to the 2001 Census, almost one-half (49%) who identified themselves as Aboriginal lived in urban areas, while those who lived on reserve and other settlements declined to 31%.

The average income for Aboriginal Peoples is much lower than for non-Aboriginals, both in urban and rural areas. According to the latest available data from the 1996 census, 44% of Aboriginal Peoples living off-reserve in Canada's provinces were below Statistics Canada's low-income cutoff, including 60% of children under the age of 6. The national average was 20% for the entire population, and 25% for children under the age of 6.

"Educational attainment is lower among Aboriginal Peoples, as compared to the general Canadian population, but the gap has been decreasing over the past twenty years. The proportion of Aboriginal Peoples with a high school diploma increased from 21% in 1996 to 23% in 2001, while the share of those with postsecondary qualifications increased from 33% to 38% in the same time period." 11

Despite these improvements, the 2001 Census found that 43% of Aboriginal Peoples had not completed high school compared to 15% of the general population. Only 6% of the Aboriginal population had completed a university degree compared to 26% of the general population.

Unemployment continues to be higher in the Aboriginal population. In 2001, the overall unemployment rate for Aboriginal Peoples was 19.1%. The unemployment rate for non-Aboriginal population was 7.1% in 2001. According to the 2001 Census, the average income in the year 2000 for Aboriginal people on-reserve ($14,044) and off-reserve ($20,020) remained considerably lower than for the general Canadian population ($30,023).

There has been an increasing interest in traditional knowledge among Aboriginal Peoples in Canada. Traditional games are one aspect of traditional knowledge that can be used to promote and increase the use of Aboriginal languages, especially among youth. Overall, the 2001 Census data suggests a continuing decline in knowledge of Aboriginal languages and also a decline for those reporting an Aboriginal mother tongue–first language learned at home (26% in 1996 and 20% in 2001). However, not all Aboriginal languages showed a decline in the number of people with knowledge of an Aboriginal language or those reporting an Aboriginal mother tongue as evident in the increase of speakers for Dene and Inuktitut languages.

Appendix E

References

  • [1]Sport BC. Benefits of Sport and Recreation.
    http://www.sport.bc.ca/downloads/FACTSHEET.pdf

  • [2]Winther, N., Nazer-Bloom, L.& Petch, V. (1995). A comprehensive overview of Development, the North American Indigenous Games and Provincial/Territorial Aboriginal Sport Bodies. pg 2.

  • [3]Mills, Dennis (1998:87). Sport in Canada: Leadership, Partnership and Accountability
    –Everybody's Business, 6th Report of the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage.

  • [4]Young, T.K. et al. and FNIRHS Steering Committee and Canadian data from the NPHS, 1994–95.

  • [5]Aboriginal Sport Circle (1998) Aboriginal Sport Development: The role of Coaching Development, the North American Indigenous Games and Provincial/Territorial Aboriginal Sport Bodies.

  • [6]National Aboriginal Disabilities and Literacy Action Conference Report (1995), Prepared for Human Resources Canada.
    http://www.schoolnet.ca/aboriginal/disabl15/intro-e.html#define

  • [7]Paraschak, V. (1995) The Native Sport and Recreation Program, 1972–1981: Patterns of Resistance, Patterns of Reproduction. Canadian Journal of History of Sport. Volume 26 (2): 1–18. pg. 5.

  • [8]Fitness and Amateur Sport (1981). A Challenge to the Nation: fitness and amateur sport in the 80s.

  • [9]Paraschak, V. (1995) The Native Sport and Recreation Program, 1972–1981: Patterns of Resistance, Patterns of Reproduction. Canadian Journal of History of Sport. Volume 26 (2): 1–18. pg. 11.

  • [10]Minister's Task Force on Federal Sport Policy. (1992) Sport: the Way Ahead.

  • [11]Paraschak, V. (2002). "Get Into the Mainstream": Aboriginal Sport in Canada, 1967–2002. (Unpublished paper).

  • [12]Aboriginal Sport Circle. (www.aboriginalsportcircle.ca).

  • [13]Government of Canada (1996). Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples. Ottawa: Ministry of Supply and Services Canada.

  • [14]Government of Canada (1998). Sport in Canada: Leadership, Partnership and Accountability
    –Everybody's Business, 6th Report of the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage.

  • [15]2002 North American Indigenous Games. (www.2002naig.ca).

  • [16]Aboriginal Sport Circle. (www.aboriginalsportcircle.ca).

[ Previous Page | Table of Contents ]