UPDATED NEWS
IN SPORTS ACROSS THE COUNTRY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Government of Canada Is Committed to
Increasing Aboriginal Peoples' Participation in Sport
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA
May 7, 2005
The Honourable Stephen Owen, Minister of Western Economic
Diversification and Minister of State (Sport) today announced the
creation of the Policy on Aboriginal Peoples' Participation in Sport. In
the context of this policy, the Government of Canada will commit $12
million over five years to help finance sport policy initiatives to
improve equity and provide Aboriginal persons' with increased access to
sport.
"The Government of Canada is committed to ensuring that all Canadians
have access to quality sport programs," said Minister Owen. "The power
of sport is far reaching. It increases self-esteem and improves quality
of life. It also brings communities together."
"If we reduce existing barriers that prevent Aboriginal persons from
having access to sport programs, we help ensure that they can enjoy the
health and social benefits of sport participation," added Minister Owen.
The Policy on Aboriginal Peoples' Participation in Sport was developed
in consultation with representatives from the Aboriginal Sport Circle,
provincial and territorial governments, provincial and territorial
Aboriginal sport bodies, national sport and multi-service organizations,
as well as federal organizations, including Health Canada, Indian and
Northern Affairs Canada, Justice Canada, and the Department of Canadian
Heritage Aboriginal Affairs branch.
"The Aboriginal Sport Circle is honoured to ratify our ongoing
partnership agreement with Canadian Heritage," said Lyle Daniels, Chair
of the Aboriginal Sport Circle. "This is an excellent first step toward
ensuring that the Aboriginal sport community's issues are addressed."
The Policy on Aboriginal Peoples' Participation in Sport builds on the
vision of the Canadian Sport Policy for a more inclusive sport system.
The $12 million will support programs to increase sport participation
for Aboriginal persons, including elements of
federal-provincial/territorial agreements on sport and sport
participation programs run by national sport and multi-service
organizations. The investment will also support key areas of
improvement, such as coaching, athlete development, and sport
participation activities.
The Government of Canada will continue to work with the Aboriginal sport
community, other federal departments, provincial and territorial
governments, and national and multi-service sport organizations to
successfully implement the Policy.
The Canadian Sport Policy identifies increased participation as one of
the key areas for improvement in Canada's sport system. The goal of both
the Canadian Sport Policy and the Policy on Aboriginal Peoples'
Participation in Sport is to build a more integrated and harmonious
environment to improve the sport experience and increase opportunities
for Canadians to compete successfully at the highest levels of
international competition.
The Government of Canada is the single largest investor in Canada's
sport system.
A total of $140 million is being provided in 2005--2006 for initiatives
to support our high-performance athletes and to increase Canadians'
participation in sport. The year 2005 has been designated the
International Year of Sport and Physical Education by the United
Nations.
To learn more about the various programs offered by the Government of
Canada in the area of sport, please visit the Canadian Heritage Web site
at www.canadianheritage.gc.ca/sportcanada
Funding announced today was provided for in the February 2005 federal
budget.
Information:
Renée Gillen
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Western Economic Diversification and
Minister of State (Sport)
(613) 954-1110
Myriam Brochu
Chief, Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
(819) 997-9314
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, April 24th, 2005
2005 National
Aboriginal Hockey Championshpis (NAHC)
MIRAMACHI, NEW
BRUNSWICK (APRIL 17-23, 2005)
Congratulations to the Team Atlantic Male
(14-17 yr old) Hockey Team who came back with a solid performance
earning a Silver Medal at the national championships!
Team Atlantic capped off a tremendous week of very exciting hockey with
a thrilling 7-6 victory over Team Saskatchewan in the semi final game on
Friday before losing 4-3 in OT (overtime) to Ontario North in the
championship final on Saturday evening before a packed house at the
Miramachi Civic Centre - we are all so very proud of you guys!
Congratulations are also sent out to the Team Atlantic female squad as
they captured their first ever victory at the National Aboriginal Hockey
Championships with a solid 5-0 victory over the NorthWest Territories.
The shutout victory went to goalie Nora Marshall who was coming off a
knee injury to post the win. The female team performed very
respectfully against some very strong squads from Saskatchewan and
Ontario during the course of the week. Way to go girls!!
Details of the games will be posted on our site in the next few days as
we finish collecting the information and work to post some highlight
pictures for family and friends to see!
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 25, 2005
CAAWS ANNOUNCES
INDIANBROOK AS THE HOST SITE OF THE FIRST EVER "ABORIGINAL ON THE MOVE"
NATIONAL PROJECT
The Canadian Association for the Advancement of Women and Sport and Physical Activity (CAAWS) announced today
that the Mi'kmaw community of Indianbrook will be the
host site of the very first "Aboriginal On The Move" Project that will be offering sport programs targeted to
young Aboriginal girls and women.
This project is in partnership with the Aboriginal Sport
Circle, Canada's national voice for Aboriginal Sport & Recreation, as well
as MYRACL, the provincial organization responsible for sport, recreation and
active lifestyles in Nova Scotia.
For more information on the project, please contact Sandy Maloney or Julie
Maloney at the Indianbrook Band Council at 902-758-2049.
Thank you!
Robert Bernard
MYRACL
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