Sport plays a vital role in building strong and healthy communities. The Government of Canada is committed to supporting First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities in accessing and benefitting from sport programs.
Today, the Honourable Adam van Koeverden, Secretary of State (Sport), announced the launch of a funding opportunity under the Sport for Social Development in Indigenous Communities (SSDIC) program.
The SSDIC program supports Indigenous Peoples in their efforts to be more active and healthier and helps them connect with culturally relevant physical activity. Funded projects are designed and led by Indigenous organizations and community members to address self-identified social development goals, including providing alternatives to risky behavior and improving opportunities for education and employment.
Since the program's launch in 2019, hundreds of Indigenous communities have benefited from funded projects across the country and continue to do so. Funding is available for projects serving Indigenous communities across the country for 2026-2027 and 2027-2028 through the first two SSDIC streams. On August 25, 2025, funding through SSDIC Stream Three will be made available for projects that support sport initiatives for Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQI+ people.
