June is National Indigenous History Month in Canada.
The Coaches Association of Saskatchewan and its partners participate in several programs designed to encourage Indigenous coach development.
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Indigenous Coaches and Officials Program
For the past 16 years the Indigenous Coaches and Officials Program (ICOP) has helped provide training and development opportunities across Saskatchewan for Indigenous Peoples to become more involved in sport as a coach or an official. The program was launched in 2007 and intended to run only until 2009, but became a permanent fixture due to the ongoing demand for training. ICOP participants take part in NCCP Community Sport, Competition and Instruction modules, Aboriginal Coaching Modules, NCCP sport-specific clinics and officials clinics. Today the program remains available free of charge and, as of June 2022, over 7,800 coaches and officials had participated.
Indigenous Sport Enhancement Program
The Indigenous Sport Enhancement Program is committed to raising the performance level of Indigenous athletes in sport and increasing the capacity of Indigenous coaches, officials and volunteers. The program is aimed at developing and preparing athletes for major competitions and multi-sport games, with a focus on the North American Indigenous Games. It is also designed to support year-round, high-intensity individual and sport-specific training programs devoted to skill and fitness development and competition-specific training.
Aboriginal Apprentice Coach Program
The Aboriginal Apprentice Coach Program is a partnership between the Aboriginal Sport Circle, the Provincial/Territorial Aboriginal Sport Bodies, the Provincial/Territorial Coaching Representatives, the Canada Games Council and the Coaching Association of Canada. The program provides the opportunity for each province and territory to send two coaches of Indigenous ancestry to the Canada Games in apprenticeship roles.
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Sask Sport will be recognizing the rich sport history and athletic achievements of Indigenous Peoples across the province. Follow Sask Sport every Wednesday in June for articles, resources, and information that celebrate Indigenous History Month through the eyes of sport.
