Topic #3: Sports

CONTRIBUTIONS BY INDIGENOUS PEOPLE

Indigenous people invented sports still played professionally today. In spite of hardships and poor living conditions on reserves, there are numerous First Nations, Métis and Inuit professional athletes. Communities go to great lengths to fundraise sports equipment for children to be active in sports. You can find many examples of Indigenous contributions to sports.

Sports are (for some) the only time that First Nations community teams or young athletes interact with other youth from non-Indigenous communities. In the past, these interactions have only re-affirmed racism either through racist sports logos or comments made to First Nations, Métis and Inuit players or to their teams during games. Sports can be environments where reconciliation and friendships are forged. Highlight examples in sports where reconciliation moments took place for indigenous people in Canada, or around the Globe.

For your presentation select from:

  • Which sport was invented by Indigenous people and is still played professionally today?

  • Highlight Indigenous contributions to sports (players, coaches, sport inventions)

  • Moments in a sports context that demonstrate racism towards Indigenous people or examples of overcoming racism

  • Highlight examples in sports where reconciliation moments took place for indigenous people in Canada, or around the Globe. Example(s) where racism was addressed or overcame successfully in sports

Below are only a few examples to get you started on your research. You can include them or find different examples and sources.

Choose One:

Research the controversy over the racist Sports team logo and names. Start HERE.

Team Names & Mascots

Research the controversy over racist sports team logo and names. Start here with a helpful video.

The 'haka,' a Maori war dance performed by the All Blacks at the beginning of games, is a meaningful, respectful nod to New Zealand's history. REAd about What Rugby Can Teach US About Honoring Indigenous Culture.

Tradition: the haka

The 'haka,' a Maori war dance performed by the All Blacks at the beginning of games, is a meaningful, respectful nod to New Zealand's history. Read What Rugby Can Teach America About Honoring Indigenous Culture.

Reconciliation Through Sports

A short and moving video in which sports break down stereotypes and offer reconciliation: Montreal Canadian hockey player, Carey Price, gives a boy from a First Nations reserve a dream come true. What other examples can you find of sports connecting people for reconciliation?

Athletics & Reconciliation

Neechie Gear is a lifestyle clothing brand that is empowering youth through funding sports opportunities, and NG has a pretty cool beginning. What other examples of Indigenous spaces and leaders in athletics can you find?