I·SPARC Advances Cultural Safety in Sport with New Training Program, Honouring the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Traditional Territory of the Quw’utsun (Cowichan) Tribes / Duncan B.C. (September 30, 2025) – First recognized in 2021, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation—coinciding with Orange Shirt Day, honours the survivors of residential schools, the children who never returned home, and the families and communities forever impacted by these institutions. As Canada observes this monumental day, the Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity & Recreation Council (I∙SPARC) reaffirms its commitment to building safer, more inclusive spaces for Indigenous participants in sport, physical activity, and recreation through its newly launched Indigenous Cultural Safety Training program.

After an overwhelmingly positive response to its pilot, I·SPARC officially introduced the program in April 2024. Developed in collaboration with Indigenous cultural safety experts, the training is designed to help sport, physical activity, and recreation leaders and organizations deepen their understanding of the historical and present-day realities of Indigenous peoples. The three-part program blends online and in-person sessions, equipping participants to address systemic barriers, challenge racism in sport, and ensure Indigenous athletes and participants feel welcome, valued, and empowered.

This work responds directly to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action #89, which urges governments to amend the Physical Activity and Sport Act to support reconciliation by ensuring policies reduce barriers to Indigenous participation and promote physical activity as a fundamental element of health and well-being.

The first portion of the training features Close That Door, the residential school survivor story of Alex Nelson, I·SPARC’s Senior Advisor and Elder. Alex and his wife Nella have been instrumental in shaping the curriculum and content since the training’s inception. In naming the training’s guiding theme, Alex chose Wi’ la’ Mola, which translates to “we are all travelling together on this journey.” This message underscores the spirit of the program and its alignment with the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

In its first year, I·SPARC delivered four training sessions to leaders across the sport, physical activity, recreation, and wellness sectors. Participants included organizations such as viaSport, BC Hockey, BC Games Society and Camosun College with a total of 85 individuals completing the program.

“Our role in bridging Indigenous sport, physical activity, and recreation with mainstream systems places us in a unique position to help organizations reflect on their responsibilities in advancing reconciliation,” said Rick Brant, I·SPARC CEO. “Our Cultural Safety Training program – Wi’ la’ Mola – is designed to foster an appreciation for the history and unique needs of Indigenous peoples, while encouraging tangible steps to transform organizational structures, policies, and program design, and to build collaborative partnerships that provide safer, more welcoming spaces for Indigenous participants.”

By fostering culturally safety, the program not only supports Indigenous participation but also strengthens the sport, physical activity, and recreation systems as a whole – ensuring more equitable, inclusive, and respectful spaces that are reflective of reconciliation in action.

-30-

About the Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity & Recreation Council

The Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity & Recreation Council (I·SPARC) is a provincial organization established with the purpose of improving the health outcomes of Indigenous peoples by supporting and encouraging physically active individuals, families, and communities. The programs and services delivered by I·SPARC are designed to build capacity and increase access to sport, physical activity, and recreation in First Nations communities, Métis Chartered Communities, Aboriginal Friendship Centres, schools, and other delivery agencies throughout British Columbia.

For more information, please visit: www.isparc.ca

Media Contact:

Brock Freeman

Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity, & Recreation Council (I·SPARC)

Senior Manager, Communications

250-856-0859

bfreeman@isparc.ca

NT5