Apprenticeship Programs

Canada Games Aboriginal Apprenticeship 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.

Objectives for the program:

• Build coaching capacity within Indigenous communities
• Provide Indigenous apprentice coaches with domestic multi-sport games exposure
• Provide Indigenous apprentice coaches with professional development and learning opportunities to prepare them for high level coaching and ensure an increase in their level of NCCP ion to a minimum of Competition – Development, Trained. (Apprentices complete training within 12 months following the Games)
• Expose Indigenous apprentice coaches to elite/high performance coaches; and
• Ensure Indigenous apprentice coaches are prepared to handle a meaningful role during the Canada Games experience.

2022 Canada Summer Games Aboriginal Apprentice Coaches
-Cory Gratton (volleyball)
-Mandy Herman (wrestling)

2023 Canada Winter Games Aboriginal Apprentice Coaches
-Mike Dumais (Badminton)
-Rhys McApline (Figure Skating)

More information and a history of the Aboriginal Apprentice Coach Program