The Government of Canada is committed to supporting Indigenous communities across the country in their efforts to be strong and healthy. The transformative power of sport plays an essential role in achieving this goal.
Adam van Koeverden, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health and to the Minister of Sport, announced a $2.5 million investment to give Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQI+ people more opportunities to reap the benefits of sport and physical activity. He made the announcement on behalf of the Honourable Pascale St-Onge, Minister of Sport and Minister responsible for the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec.
In 2022 and 2023, close to 285 communities and 9,000 Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQI+ people will be able to benefit from this $2.5-million investment. Ten provincial/territorial Indigenous sport bodies will carry out these projects that respond to the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) Calls for Justice #3.1 and #7.3 by supporting the health and wellness of Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQI+ people. Funded projects will focus on Indigenous-led prevention initiatives in the areas of health and community awareness, using sport as a tool for social development.
The activities and social outcomes for each project were defined and proposed by Indigenous communities, in collaboration with Indigenous women's organizations, to ensure they meet their specific needs. This initiative is also aimed at allowing Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQI+ people to reconnect with their culture and traditional activities.
