Building Community Capacity

From April 30 - May 1, 2010 the Indigenous Sport Council (Alberta) hosted their Sport and Recreation Conference. The following is the Opening Key Note Address, presented by Grand Chief Charles Weaselhead. Treaty Seven

Empowering our Indigenous Youth

In building community capacity we must foster positive youth development. Through participation in school programs. Indigenous Sport Council Programs and the North American Indigenous Games we have seen how sports teaches positive values & life skills
Our Indigenous youth learn & develop through play. Sports also will assist in keeping active & healthy lifestyles. Keeping active also helps in reducing health risk behaviours
We must ensure that sport is built on Fairness, Fun, Excellence and Inclusion.

Recognizing Sport as a Valuable Community Asset

We must “champion” fairness and ethical conduct. There is a need to create safe and positive communication and promote inclusion.
Through sport we can foster strong and active lifestyles within our communities. It is also important that we recognize out community volunteers and celebrate the contributions they make.
Sport helps to strengthen collaborations and connections to the community.

Giving Your Personal Best

We must enable our people to develop the confidence and skills to be involved in athletics. Youth through participation in sport need to:
Join In - commit
Show it - Be a leader
Live it - Lead by Example
Grow it - Encourage others

In our communities we have many athletes who have excelled and now are seen as role models such as Destiny Whitney, Golf. Tsuu T’ina Nation, Charlton Weaselhead, Basketball, Blood Tribe and Wacey Rabbit, hockey Blood Tribe.

Sport and Education

Sport is a good tool in re-engaging children/youth in school and to assist in realizing their potential. Through sports our children/youth build confidence, self-esteem and helps them form positive relationships with school staff and peers.
Sports is closely linked with improved school attendance. Most youth that are involved in organized sports through school are less likely to become involved in high-risk activities.

In conclusion, Building Community Capacity can be achieved through
Participation - Supporting people to take part in community sports and athletics.
Empowerment - Increasing ability and capacity.
Inclusion - Collaborations with members, partners and leadership.
Self determination - Supporting people to make their own choices and encouraging them by providing opportunities.