The Government of Canada is strengthening Indigenous communities across the country by investing in sport as a tool for social development and community well-being. Secretary of State (Sport) Adam van Koeverden announced an investment of $853,000 over two years to support sport and recreation opportunities across Yukon through the Sport for Social Development in Indigenous Communities (SSDIC) program. During his visit, he met with representatives of the Yukon Aboriginal Sport Circle and heard directly from youth about the benefits of culturally relevant sport and recreation activities in their communities.
Funding for 2024–2026 has been allocated to several Yukon organizations. The Yukon Aboriginal Sport Circle received $520,850 to expand access to meaningful sport opportunities across the territory. The Liard First Nation was awarded $163,000 for community-driven outdoor recreation activities, while the Village of Teslin received $29,000 to host a multi-sport youth camp, including accommodations for participants from other communities. The Council for Yukon First Nations received $140,600 for holistic programs combining sport skill development, traditional activities, and health and wellness education, with a focus on Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people in alignment with the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) Calls for Justice.
The SSDIC program supports projects designed and led by Indigenous organizations to meet self-identified social development goals, such as providing alternatives to risky behavior and enhancing education and employment opportunities. Since its launch in 2019, hundreds of Indigenous communities nationwide have benefited from the program, which emphasizes culturally relevant physical activity as a vehicle for social connection, health, and empowerment.
Secretary van Koeverden highlighted the transformative potential of Indigenous-led sport programs, emphasizing that they provide opportunities for people of all ages to engage, connect, and thrive. Gaël Marchand, Executive Director of the Yukon Aboriginal Sport Circle, underscored the program’s unique value in supporting sport initiatives with strong cultural significance and sustaining the Indigenous sport network.
The SSDIC program aligns with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action and the Calls for Justice from the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, promoting positive outcomes in health, education, at-risk behavior, and employability. Funding streams are open to Indigenous organizations, governments, and communities, with application deadlines set for September 24, October 6, and November 17, 2025, depending on the program stream. These investments aim to empower Indigenous youth and communities across Yukon through the transformative power of sport.
