Feds announce investments in sport for Indigenous communities

VICTORIA – The Government of Canada is committed to supporting First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities in building strong and healthy communities through sport and physical activity. Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Sport and Physical Activity, announced $12.65 million in investments through the Sport for Social Development in Indigenous Communities (SSDIC) program to support the creation of more sport and physical activity opportunities within Indigenous communities.

Delivered through 115 projects, these investments will reach approximately 1,000 communities and 300,000 Indigenous people, including youth, women, girls, 2SLGBTQI+ people and persons with disabilities from coast to coast to coast. The announcement was made as part of a visit to the Victoria Native Friendship Centre (VNFC). Through its Women’s Warrior program, the VNCF is promoting physical health for Indigenous women who have experienced violence.

The SSDIC program supports Indigenous peoples in being more active and healthier and helps them connect with culturally relevant sport and physical activity. Funded projects are Indigenous-designed and led.

Minister Qualtrough also highlighted the 2024–2026 call for applications, which is currently open under Streams 2 and 3 of the SSDIC. Up to $24.05 million is available for eligible sport projects serving Indigenous people, including youth, women, girls, 2SLGBTQI+ people, and persons with disabilities in First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities across the country.

Since 2019, and in partnership with Indigenous-led organizations and governments, the SSDIC program has reached hundreds of Indigenous communities across the country and continues to do so.