A new Indigenous Sports Body (ISB) has been created to support young First Nations athletes in Ontario.
Beausoleil Island's Lance Copegog, the youth representative for the Ontario First Nations Young Peoples Council, is one of three youth leaders from across the province that has been elected to serve on the new six-member board.
"We believe that our young people deserve a sports body that will advocate for them and create the space for them to succeed," said Copegog. "Further, we recognize the potential that sport has for youth to foster relationships, strengthen their self-esteem, and develop healthy living habits."
The resolution passed by the Chiefs of Ontario, representing 133 First Nations, clearly demonstrates the desire of First Nations communities to have a sports body that "truly serves the communities it represents," said Copegog.
First Nations leaders in Ontario have also signalled a desire for this sports body to be youth-led, Copegog told OrilliaMatters.
"I am joined by two other youth – Dean Hill from Six Nations of the Grand River and Kamryn Whiteye of Deleware Nation – who will be providing their expertise and applying their lived experience to the mission of the Indigenous Sports Body."
The body was created by a resolution from the Chiefs of Ontario last April. The group met for the first time in June to chart a new path forward for Indigenous sport in Ontario, with membership and representation that will include regional and youth representatives.
“The resolution passed and adopted by the Chiefs-in-Assembly supports the new direction: one that will be transparent and accountable with fair representation throughout the regions," said Board Chair Patrick Madahbee.
"It will also allow for community members, and youth and sport leaders in our communities to play a much bigger and active role," said Madahbee. "This will open up more opportunities and possibilities.”
A provincial Indigenous sports body holds the responsibility to deliver sport, physical activity, active living programming and also to form, prepare and support Ontario’s contingent at the National Aboriginal Hockey Championships and at the North American Indigenous Games.
“Healthy Mind, Healthy Body, Strong Spirit” was a phrase spoken at the chiefs meeting and is part of the mission and vision for the work to be done by ISB, notes a press release from ISB.
The approach is firmly grounded in the languages, culture, values, traditions, customs, and voices of our communities. Centred on the values inherited from our ancestors, the work of the ISB will not exclude any Indigenous person.
In addition to Copegog, Hill and Whiteye, the ISB Board of Directors includes Ryan King (Akwesasne), Meagan Wilson (Six Nations), and Patrick Madahbee (Aundeck Omni Kaning). They will serve an initial term that will end in the fall of 2020.
"I look forward to working with youth from all 133 First Nations in Ontario to create opportunities for youth development in sports," said Copegog.
