Reconciliation
Reconciliation is the act of addressing historical and ongoing harm caused by colonization. It promotes understanding, respect, and equality between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. Sport plays a role in the celebration of Indigenous culture and our nation-wide effort to reconcile.
How does Reconciliation make sport better?
In 2015, Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) published a list of 94 Calls to Action to advance reconciliation, including five that address sport.
Sport serves as an important vehicle to promote and celebrate Indigenous culture, and it continues to play a vital role as the country takes steps toward reconciliation.
The role of reconciliation in sport is crucial, since participation is successful only when people feel welcome and included.
Indigenous people have often been excluded or marginalized in sport, and reconciliation helps make sport better for all.
Reconciliation and Sport in BC
Truth and reconciliation promotes greater representation and participation of Indigenous peoples across BC. Support for the continued development of Indigenous athletes, coaches, and leaders is accelerated by an understanding and appreciation of Indigenous peoples’ cultures, values, and contributions to sport and society.
viaSport pursues reconciliation by partnering with Indigenous peoples, communities, and sport organizations to ensure everyone shares the social, economic, cultural, and community development benefits of sport. Partner with us to help advance reconciliation through sport!
How can you show support?
BC is committed implementing to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act.
We will ensure that Indigenous people and communities have equal opportunity to participate in sport in a manner that recognizes and respects Indigenous cultures and traditions.
We can all participate by:
- Supporting the renewed Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity, and Recreation Council Strategy.
- Recognizing and promoting stories about the cultural heritage of Indigenous people in sport.
- Working with the Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity, and Recreation Council on bridging Indigenous and mainstream sport systems, so more Indigenous people and communities can participate and benefit.
