The Province is investing $1.5 million over three years toward programs targeted to improve healthy living for Aboriginal youth through sport and recreation announced Ida Chong, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development.

The Aboriginal Sport, Recreation and Physical Activity Partners Council's (Partners Council) Strategy will provide assistance for sport, recreation and physical activity programs throughout the province. The funding, a component of the 2010 Sport and Arts Legacy fund, will go toward engaging youth in First Nations, Métis and Urban Aboriginal communities.

Aboriginal youth voiced their concern about negative health trends at the 2008 Gathering Our Voice Youth conference on sport, recreation and wellness by drafting a BC Aboriginal Youth Sport and Recreation declaration.

The Aboriginal Sport, Recreation and Physical Activity Strategy was created as a legacy of the very successful Cowichan 2008 North American Indigenous Games in direct response to the Youth Declaration and is being led by three organizations: the First Nations Health Council, Métis Nation BC, and the BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres. The consortium of organizations - called the Partners Council - has organized a community engagement process to advance the strategy and develop action plans within its six regions.

Regional action planning has identified a range of priorities including delivery of specific sport development programs, coach certification, officials' development, sport development camps and clinics.

Quotes:

Ida Chong, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development -

"This a great example of collaboration and best use of funding towards healthy communities. The well-being of families relies upon their youngest members, and the youth of Aboriginal communities have made it clear that access to sport underpins their ongoing health."

Mary Polak, Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation -

"By continuing to support these athletes in their pursuit of healthy living, the Aboriginal, Sport, Recreation and Physical Activity Council of BC maintains the Province's efforts to close the gaps in health outcomes for Aboriginal people. This funding announcement will help to encourage Aboriginal athletes' to continue to lead healthy and active lifestyles and alleviate well-recognized health barriers."

Paul Lacerte, Executive Director, BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres -

"We began this journey over four years ago with a clear vision of building healthier Aboriginal communities across B.C. through sport, recreation and physical activity. Today's announcement by Minister Chong is a good first step towards a long-term investment in our Strategy and the health and well-being of our communities."

Joe Gallagher, CEO First Nations Health Society -

"From our children to our Elders, elite sport to traditional activities, physical activity is fundamental to wellness. Through the work of the Partners Council, we are supporting a range of local, regional, and provincial efforts that encourage athletes and coaches to reach the highest levels of competitive sport and promote active lifestyles for the whole community."

Tanya Davoren, Director of Health Métis Nation BC -

"Our collaborative efforts have resulted in the creation of a new Provincial Strategy for Aboriginal Sport, Recreation and Physical Activity, which will transform the health of our communities. This funding will support the delivery of vital programs aimed at increasing participation and reducing barriers to sport, recreation and physical activity."

Quick Facts:

Health statistics for aboriginal populations show that:

* First Nations in British Columbia have a diabetes rate 40 per cent higher than that of the general population.

* The lives of Status First Nations people are on average seven years shorter than those of other British Columbians.

* 49 per cent of Aboriginal youth smoke, more than double the rate of other young people in B.C.

* 55 per cent of Aboriginal children and youth living on reserve are overweight or obese and 41 per cent of those living off reserve are overweight or obese.

In 2008, at a historical gathering of Aboriginal leaders, a five-pillar sport, recreation and physical activity framework was presented and endorsed as a means of improving the health of First Nations, Métis, and off-reserve Aboriginal peoples in B.C.

The long-term strategy is designed to increase access and participation in sports, recreation, and physical activity for Aboriginal people across B.C.

Learn More:

The Aboriginal Sport, Recreation and Physical Activity Partners Council:

http://www.bcaafc.com/initiatives/asrpa-partners-council

Contacts:

Gillian Rhodes

Communications Manager

Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development

250 356-6334

Rick Brant

Director

Aboriginal Sport, Recreation and Physical Activity Partners Council

250 710-4604

Connect with the Province of B.C. at: www.gov.bc.ca/connect