More than 110 First Nations Chiefs, Métis leaders and representatives from off-reserve Aboriginal organizations met on the Tsartlip reserve in Brentwood Bay on August 2, 2008 in an unprecedented gathering to hear and respond to a declaration on sport and recreation from B.C. Aboriginal youth. The Province provided $300,000 in funding toward the event.

The meeting, which included Minister Michael de Jong and Assembly of First Nations National Chief Phil Fontaine, heard from two representatives of First Nations and Métis youth groups who called on the assembled chiefs and government officials to support improving health outcomes for Aboriginal people through sport, recreation and physical activity.

(Left-Right) Minister de Jong (centre left) performs a traditional drumming song with Ulkatcho Chief Lynda Price, Assembly of First Nations regional Chief (A-in-chut) Shawn Atleo, and Hupacasath Chief Judith Sayers (Kekinusuqs) at the 2008 Leaders Gathering on Aboriginal sport, recreation and physical activity.

The leaders responded to the call for action by unveiling a strategy based on five pillars under which sport and recreation can make a positive impact on the lives of Aboriginal people – Active Communities, Leadership and Capacity, Excellence, System Development and Sustainability.

“This is an exceptionally significant gathering of Aboriginal leaders. For the first time ever, leaders from every corner of the province are working together on a strategy that creates opportunities for Aboriginal people in sport and healthy living,” said de Jong. “Supporting Aboriginal youth and their families in leading healthy, active lifestyles is an important part of this government’s continuing commitment to close the socio-economic gaps that separate Aboriginal people from other British Columbians.”

The atmosphere of the gathering was overwhelmingly positive, with leaders from across the province joining with youth groups and government to celebrate the unifying nature of sport.

Following a compelling presentation on the ‘five pillars’, the signing of a ceremonial drum by everyone present created a symbolic commitment to take up the challenge to turn intentions into actions. All guests were presented with a miniature copy of the drum to commemorate the event and remind them of their pledge to Aboriginal youth.

Participants at the 2008 Leadership Gathering sign a commemorative drum to signify their commitment to a strategy supporting the improvement of health outcomes for Aboriginal youth through sport, recreation and physical activity.

The gathering took place on the eve of the North American Indigenous Games which was held in Duncan and hosted by the Cowichan Tribes. The event, which attracted about 4,600 Aboriginal athletes and their families from across North America, showcased the best of indigenous youth sport, and exemplified the healthy, active lifestyles theme of the gathering.

“We want this monumental event to leave a lasting and positive impact for Aboriginal people in British Columbia,” said Dan Smith, executive member of the First Nations Summit and First Nations Leadership Council. “This gathering, where Aboriginal leaders have committed to creating an Aboriginal sport, recreation and physical activity strategy, is a pivotal step towards achieving the social legacy that will lead to healthier conditions in our communities.”

On Sunday, August 3, the leaders travelled to Duncan to join thousands of spectators to witness the spectacular Opening Ceremonies of Cowichan 2008 games. The leaders, led by Chief Lynda Price from the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs, Dan Smith from the First Nations Summit and Chief Ron Mitchell from the Moricetown Band marched proudly at the head of the B.C. team as they entered the stadium to loud applause.

The resounding success of the Leaders Gathering and the North American Indigenous Games is a positive demonstration of B.C. and Aboriginal people working together to highlight the importance of sport and recreation in creating fitter, healthier communities across the whole of B.C.

For more information about this agreement and the New Relationship, visit www.gov.bc.ca/arr. For more photos, click here.