Listening Session at George Gordon First Nation in Saskatchewan – May 3, 2023

On May 3, the Indigenous in Motion team met with 12 people in George Gordon First Nation to talk about their experience in sport, the opportunities and barriers to participation and their vision for the future. Community members, youth, parents, athletes, the recreation coordinator, Prairie Central staff and Tribal Council staff joined in the discussion. People shared many positive and heart-warming memories of playing baseball, hockey, golf, and volleyball in the First Nation, on regional teams and nationally. Rosie Cyr, a student athlete and champion in volleyball and softball and a “Sport It’s More Than a Game” Ambassador with Sask Sport, was home for the summer and joined the conversation to share her experience as an elite athlete.

The group shared the value of sports as a safe place for youth to go after school hours and how popular the rink is in the First Nation. As a natural rink it has a limited season, and it is not available year-round. The group shared how valuable it would be to have access to facilities year-round. High travel costs to train and to participate in regional teams and low levels of parental support were barriers to youth participation in organized sport activities. The group shared challenges in their community resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic that continue and have reduced participation in sport and recreation, as well as ongoing addiction issues. The link between staying active and being engaged in healthy activities and mental health was an important part of the conversation. The group hopes that the National Strategy could support overall wellness by increasing access to healthy activities.

Thank you to everyone who sat in circle with us and shared their experiences!

If you want to share your ideas about a National Strategy for Indigenous Sport, Recreation, Physical Activity and Traditional Practices please participate here.