OTTAWA, ONTARIO – (June 21, 2017) – Aboriginal Sport Circle and its partner the Sport for Life Society are proudly unveiling a new resource for communities on National Aboriginal Day. The launch is to occur simultaneously online and at an event hosted today at the Cowichan Tribes Gymnasium in Duncan, B.C.

Aboriginal Communities: Active for Life is a culturally-tailored resource that is designed for Aboriginal community members, such as parents, Elders, educators, recreation leaders, and coaches, who value physical activity and healthy living as a vehicle to the holistic development of both the individual and the community.

Over 260 sport and physical activity leaders from across the country contributed to the publication, which received financial support from the Government of Canada through Sport Canada, a branch of the Department of Canadian Heritage.

Among many important partners in the development of the resource are the Cowichan 2008 North American Indigenous Games Legacy, the Aboriginal Sport and Wellness Council of Ontario, and the Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity & Recreation Council (ISPARC).

“ISPARC is excited to see the national launch of Aboriginal Communities: Active for Life,” said Executive Director Rick Brant. “This long-anticipated resource will be an important tool for us as we further the impact of our work in Aboriginal communities throughout B.C. It creates an opportunity to better support the training of community champions as they design and deliver culturally relevant physical activity and sport programs that will improve community health outcomes.”

The nearly 40-page document and its accompanying workshop supports and empowers members of the communities who seek to develop quality sport and physical activity programs.

“It is the desire of the Aboriginal Sport Circle to actively support life changes within the Aboriginal community through initiatives that help Aboriginal people engage in physical activities,” said Alwyn Morris, President of the Aboriginal Sport Circle. “On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Aboriginal Sport Circle, I express my gratitude and pride for the relationship we built with Sport for Life, which in turn allowed this important resource to come to fruition.”

As of June 21, Aboriginal Communities: Active for Life will be available in both English and French at:

physicalliteracy.ca/portfolio-view/aboriginal-communities-active-for-life

litteratie.ca/portfolio-view/communautes-autochtones-vie-active

CONTACT INFORMATION AND MEDIA REQUESTS

Andrea Carey, Sport for Life Society, Tel.: 1-250-216-4223, andrea@sportforlife.ca

Heather Kaulbach, ASC, Tel.: 1-613-859-0179, hkaulbach@aboriginalsportcircle.ca