MHSTCI’s Indigenous programs, developed in partnership with Indigenous communities and organizations, aim to:
- provide community-based sport and recreation opportunities for all age groups that meet the needs of Indigenous peoples
- develop a clear pathway for Indigenous athletes to participate and reach their full potential in organized competitive sport
- revitalize Indigenous culture and resiliency through land-based physical activity programs and leadership development
- enable sport, physical activity and recreation participation to contribute to active, healthy and resilient Indigenous communities
The Indigenous sport and recreation programs supported by the ministry help to reduce barriers to participation and are part of the province’s work toward reconciliation with Indigenous peoples.
Sport Pathway for Ontario Native Wellness
Ontario supports initiatives that provide sport and recreation opportunities for Indigenous athletes, coaches and volunteers. This includes the Sport Pathway for Ontario Native Wellness initiative, which is delivered in partnership with Indigenous Sport & Wellness Ontario (ISWO), the nationally recognized Provincial/Territorial Aboriginal Sport Body for Ontario.
The Sport Pathway supports an integrated regional network of opportunities for all Indigenous peoples - First Nations, Métis and Inuit, living on and off reserve in urban, rural and remote settings to participate at recreational levels and advance to high performance competition.
The goals of the Sport Pathway initiative are to:
- Reduce barriers for Indigenous people to participate in organized sport
- Create opportunities for Indigenous athletes to train and compete within the Indigenous community to build skill and competition preparedness
- Build on the existing mainstream sport and recreation system to involve and develop Indigenous participants, athletes and coaches to achieve their full potential.