NEWS RELEASE
CHIEFS OF ONTARIO
*************************
The Chiefs of Ontario, representing 133 First Nations, met in April 2019 and moved a resolution to create a new Indigenous Sport Body (ISB).
The new Indigenous Sport Body met 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. This will open up more opportunities and possibilities.”
ISB received direction from the Chiefs of Ontario by Resolution #11-19, where support was removed from the Aboriginal Sport and Wellness Council of Ontario (now operating as Indigenous Sport and Wellness Ontario). That same resolution supported the formation of a new Indigenous Sport Body for Ontario.
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. 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.
The ISB Board of Directors includes Ryan King (Akwesasne), Dean Hill (Six Nations), Lance Copegog (Beausoleil), Kamryn Whiteye (Delaware Nation), Meagan Wilson (Six Nations), and Patrick Madahbee (Aundeck Omni Kaning). They will serve an initial term that will end in the Fall of 2020.
*************************
