Caryl Szeto / Staff reporter

“Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire. It has the power to unite people in a way that little else does. It speaks to youth in a language they understand. Sport can create hope where once there was only despair.”  

Nelson Mandela 

Sports play a critical role in children’s well-being and development, improving both physical and mental health. According to the article “Sport and Indigenous Children and Youth” by Hope and Health, many First Nations communities lack access to sports and recreational facilities, which is an issue that dates back to residential schools. This impacts Indigenous athletes and youth, especially those who are already vulnerable. 

Historical connection and government reconciliation:  

According to the article “Indigenous Peoples and Sport in Canada” by the Library of Parliament, sports programs in residential schools were often underfunded and undersupplied. Despite this, students would often participate in sports days, as their involvement in sports helped them cope with the abuse they faced daily. Additionally, although the government banned cultural gatherings and ceremonies such as potlatches, First Nations communities would often host sport days. They did this to ‘replace’ their traditional gatherings, while encouraging competition within their communities. This shows how Indigenous people often used sports to persevere against the government’s discriminatory actions and overcome their systemic struggles. 

In recognition of the Government of Canada’s past actions against the First Nations people, and the importance of sport in communities, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada has included sports in five of their 94 Calls to Action. For instance, in Call to Action 87, the commission states that they “Call upon all levels of government, in collaboration with Aboriginal Peoples, sports halls of fame and other relevant organizations, to provide public education that tells the national story of Aboriginal athletes in history.” According to the article “Beyond 94” by CBC News, in response to this, the government has launched a digital book about Indigenous athletes in the Canadian Sports Hall of Fame.  

Furthermore, in Call to Action 90, where the commission says, “We call upon the federal government to ensure that national sports policies, programs and initiatives are inclusive of Aboriginal Peoples,” the government reinstated funding to the Aboriginal Sport Circle. The Aboriginal Sport Circle is a national organization that advocates for athletic resources for Indigenous, Métis and Inuit peoples.  

Although the commission released their calls to action in 2015, the government has not addressed many of the calls, including ones relating to sport. This is seen in Call to Action 89, which states “We call upon the federal government to amend the Physical Activity and Sport Act to support reconciliation by ensuring that policies to promote physical activity as a fundamental element of health and well-being, reduce barriers to sport participation, increase the pursuit of excellence in sport, and build capacity in the Canadian sport system, are inclusive to Aboriginal Peoples.” As of April 2, 2024, the government has not started amending the Physical Activity and Sport Act. 

Barriers to Indigenous youth:

Despite the government’s efforts towards reconciling their past actions, many First Nations youth continue to lack access to sports and recreational facilities. According to the literature review “Indigenous sports and recreation programs and partnerships across Canada” by Julie Sutherland, there are multiple factors that contribute to this issue, such as racism, economic barriers and lack of infrastructure.  

Firstly, racism experienced during physical activity can lead to youth feeling ostracized and alienated. In fact, a study found that when Indigenous youth reflected on their racist experiences, they faced racism from teammates, fellow athletes and even teachers. This is extremely discouraging for First Nations youth and prevents them from being able to fully involve themselves in sports.  

Image from the article “Study: 60 per cent of indigenous children on reserve live in poverty” by Dario Balca

Furthermore, financial and economic barriers contribute to Indigenous youth’s lack of access to sports. Studies have identified barriers at the organizational level, in addition to systemic barriers. For instance, although there are subsidized sport programs for youth, young people are not given access to lower transit fares, free/cheaper equipment, or cheaper sport programs. Considering the fact that “statistically it is clear that Indigenous youth face disproportionally higher levels of urban poverty than Euro Canadian youth” there may be a larger structural barrier for Indigenous youth in sports. 

Finally, the lack of infrastructure and equipment on many reservations contributes to the scarcity of athletic opportunities. According to the article by Hope and Health, many schools lack proper gymnasiums. They say, “of Canada’s 803 on reserve schools, only 49 percent were in good condition with fully operating gymnasiums…and often closed after school.” Additionally, the lack of community spaces, such as recreation centers or sport fields, is a barrier that many Indigenous youth face. Overall, Indigenous youth have limited opportunities to become involved in sports due to many systemic issues.  

Perspectives of Indigenous Athletes:  

Despite the challenges that many Indigenous athletes face, many competitors are able to persevere and have successful careers in sport. They reflect on the opposition they faced, and some choose to no longer represent Canada when competing. 

ManyBears with Siksika flag

Rilee ManyBears is a distance runner from the Siksika Nation, who aspires to qualify for the 2024 Olympics. As stated in the article, “Indigenous athletes contend with numerous barriers en route to Olympic qualification” by Jim Morris, ManyBears believes there are significant barriers that Indigenous athletes face.

“In First Nations life, you’ve got to work three times as hard. You’re going to deal with many barriers, you’re going to deal with racism.”  

ManyBears
Desmarais skates during the ISU World Cup Speed Skating

In addition to ManyBears, Alison Desmarais, who is a former World Cup competitor in short-track speed skating and a part of the Metis Nation British Columbia, reflects on the issues First Nations athletes face. She says, “As we got older there would be less and less of the Indigenous classmates, friends, on our teams. I’m sure there was just so much going on [with] their home life or their reserves … Things I just didn’t have to worry about that Indigenous athletes or people do.”

“By and large, we just don’t make it to the international and Olympic levels at the same rate as privileged white people.” 

Desmarais

As a result of the government’s past actions towards the Indigenous people, many First Nations athletes are now choosing to no longer represent Canada when competing. They prefer to compete at North American or World Indigenous Games, or other all-Indigenous sports events. Christine O’Bonsawin, who is an associate professor of history and Indigenous studies at the University of Victoria, says, “The Canadian sport model supports the assimilation of Indigenous people. We are recognizing through the reconciliation process . . . more Indigenous people are identifying their citizenship as belonging to their Indigenous nation and not Canada . . . a rejection of an assumed Canadian identity”

“Canada, quite frankly, has been horrible to Indigenous people. I see why you wouldn’t want to represent a nation that you feel has wronged your people and you.” 

Desmarais

When ManyBears reflects on competing in Indigenous games, rather than international games, he says there is comradery and a feeling of understanding between athletes. ManyBears explains, “They feel at home with their people. They feel spiritedly connected and celebrate and compete for fun making memories.”

“I wouldn’t say I felt racism, but I didn’t feel like it was where I belonged. Once you go off the reserve it’s like a whole different world.” 

ManyBears says, when reflecting on entering the mainstream sport system.
  • Images from the World Indigenous Games in 2015, hosted in Brazil.
  • Members of the Mexican team play “Pelota Purepecha” during the final games of the World Indigenous Games, in Palmas, Brazil

Impact on First Nations youth: 

Sport can change people’s lives. Multiple studies show Indigenous youth benefit from the involvement of sport, with benefits ranging from suicide prevention to teaching youth respect and courage.  

As seen in Hope and Health’s article, Indigenous children make up 8% of B.C’s child population, but 52% of the population in foster care. Furthermore, suicide rates for First Nation youth are six times higher than non-Indigenous youth and they are twice as likely to dropout from high school. These statistics show the need for sports in Indigenous communities, considering the impact sports have on mental health. 

Many studies have been conducted to see how sports can change the lives of many First Nations youth. In the study “Understanding Positive Youth Development in Sport Through the Voices of Indigenous Youth” by Leisha Strachan, Tara-Leigh McHugh and Courtney Mason, they found sports have a huge impact on First Nations youth. It gives them the chance to explore their identity, learn to control their emotions, develop initiative and acquire social skills. This all leads to greater resiliency in Indigenous youth.  

Furthermore, in the study “Two-eyed seeing: Physical activity, sport, and recreation promotion in Indigenous communities” by Lisa Lavallee, First Nations youth who are involved in sports have more courage, respect and honesty. They have more resiliency compared to youth who are not involved in sports, due to positive connections built between coaches and fellow players.  

Finally, in the study “Aborigines, sport and suicide” by Colin Tatz, sports and athletics were viewed as a way to prevent suicide. They say, “As sports participation increases, the odds of suffering from depression decreases by 25%, while the odds of having suicidal thoughts decreases by 12%.” Overall, as statistics show how First Nations youth struggle from many issues, sports may become a positive solution and remedy for these communities. 

Impact on Gleneagle students:  

Gleneagle students are impacted by sports and athletics every time they walk into school. Sports teams benefit players and also contribute to school spirit. Furthermore, when students participate in P.E or support their school’s teams, they are exposed to many positives. Hopefully, as Gleneagle students reflect on the city’s community centers and public sport fields, they begin to respect these spaces more, with the understanding that not every community in Canada has access to these facilities. Finally, more students will hopefully increase their participation in sports and athletics considering their opportunities at Gleneagle. 

Swimming pool in Coquitlam compared to Bella Coola

Overall, as First Nations youth struggle with systemic issues such as higher suicide and high school dropout rates, sports may be used to support them and their communities. As seen in multiple studies, sports have been found to reduce mental crisis while increasing mental resistance. In addition, while the government works on addressing the calls to action, it still struggles with reducing barriers to sports. Finally, as many Indigenous athletes begin competing nationally, they are starting to choose whether they would like to represent Canada.  

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