Aboriginal Sport Development is designed to increase access to and develop sport programs and leadership opportunities for Saskatchewan's Aboriginal people. Aboriginal Sport Development policies and initiatives are managed by the Aboriginal Advisory Committee, which provides advice and recommendations to Sask Sport Inc.

Aboriginal Sport Development: A Four-Year Strategy, "Building a Foundation for the Future"
This strategy is a "call to action" that seeks to further mobilize a successful volunteer sport system in support of the Aboriginal community. It recognizes that this mobilization must occur in partnership with Aboriginal organizations and communities and in concert with the Government of Saskatchewan, global partners, and other primary stakeholders.

>> Aboriginal Sport Development: A Four-Year Strategy, "Building a Foundation for the Future"

Sharing Success
There are so many benefits to participating in sport. We are pleased to share stories and successes as we work together to Build a Foundation for the Future.

Sask Sport Inc. and Rawlco Radio produced the following Seeds of Success vignettes which air on the Rawlco Radio Network in Saskatchewan. "Seeds of Success" celebrates First Nations and Métis achievements across Saskatchewan. Listen to these inspiring vignettes:

>> The Benefits of Sport
>> Helping Others Achieve their Dreams

Recruiting and Retaining Aboriginal Volunteers
The University of Regina and Sask Sport Inc. have completed the research project funded through Imagine Canada entitled “Lessons Learned: Recruitment and Retention of Aboriginal Volunteers at Sporting Events”. The primary source of research was through roundtable discussions with Aboriginal Volunteers from the 2005 Canada Summer Games and the 2006 Saskatchewan First Nations Winter Games regarding experience gained from recruiting and retaining Aboriginal volunteers for sporting events in the province.

>> Lessons Learned: Recruiting, Training and Retaining
     Aboriginal Volunteers at Sport Events
>> Aboriginal Volunteer Fact Sheets

General Participation Agreement
The CANADA-SASKATCHEWAN General Participation Agreement to Advance the Canadian Sport Policy in Saskatchewan was signed on behalf of the Federal Government by the Secretary of State for Sport and Physical Activity, and on behalf of the Government of Saskatchewan by the Minister of Saskatchewan Culture, Youth and Recreation. The bilateral agreement commits funding for the Aboriginal Excellence and Aboriginal Coaches and Officials Programs to help young people benefit from sport and physical activity. The expected benefits for the people of Saskatchewan, especially those of Aboriginal ancestry, are numerous. Partnership initiatives such as this will effect positive change for Aboriginal people through the means of unique sport opportunities. The work resulting from these programs will establish a base on which to continue the initiative well into the 21st Century. Saskatchewan's rapidly changing demographics dictates that concerted and continuous efforts are necessary to ensure the majority of Saskatchewan people can access and enjoy sport and physical activity on a regular basis.

The General Participation Agreement is comprised of progressively linked pilot sport components:

>> Aboriginal Excellence
>> Aboriginal Coaches & Officials Program

Aboriginal Sport Leadership Council

Purpose:
The Aboriginal Sport Leadership Council provides advice and recommendations to Sask Sport Inc. on matters pertaining to Aboriginal Sport Development and the distribution of Saskatchewan Lottery Trust Fund proceeds to organizations and projects involving the needs of Aboriginal people in Saskatchewan.

Responsibilities:

• Advise Sask Sport Inc. on matters pertaining to vision and strategy to increase participation of Aboriginal people in sport including but not limited to athletes, coaches, officials and volunteers;
• Facilitate effective relationships with other interest groups and individuals:
• Represent the interests of the Aboriginal sport development in a positive and constructive manner;
• Advocate for Aboriginal sport development within and outside of Sask Sport Inc.;
• Seek opportunities for collaborate in strategies in related sectors that impact Aboriginal Sport development (e.g. education, health);
• Advise on benchmarks to measure success of Aboriginal sport development initiatives;
• Provide an Aboriginal lens to Sask Sport policy development; and
• Receive, review and recommend the course of action on all Aboriginal grant submissions based on established guidelines and procedures approved by the Board of Directors of Sask Sport Inc.

Please contact Cheryl McCallum, Supervisor, Aboriginal Services Unit at (306) 975-0807 or by EMAIL if you require further information or if you have questions about Aboriginal Sport Development in Saskatchewan.