Sport has always been central to Indigenous cultures in Canada — from traditional games like lacrosse and Arctic sports to modern competitive athletics. Yet Indigenous athletes, coaches, and communities consistently face barriers to participation that their non-Indigenous counterparts do not. Geographic isolation, chronic underfunding of recreation infrastructure, and systemic inequities in the sport system all contribute to a participation gap that has persisted for decades.
The Aboriginal Sport Circle (ASC) and its provincial and territorial affiliates exist to close that gap. These organizations are the primary conduit for Indigenous sport funding in Canada, and they offer programs that most communities and sport organizations are not fully utilizing.
What Is the Aboriginal Sport Circle?
The Aboriginal Sport Circle is a national organization that serves as the voice of Indigenous sport in Canada. Founded in 1995, the ASC works with Sport Canada, provincial sport organizations, and Indigenous communities to increase Indigenous participation in sport at all levels — from grassroots community programs to high-performance athletics.
The ASC does not typically fund organizations directly. Instead, it works through Provincial/Territorial Aboriginal Sport Bodies (PTASBs) — organizations like the Indigenous Sport Council of Alberta, which deliver programs and distribute funding at the regional level.
Think of the ASC as the national umbrella. Your PTASB is where the funding actually flows. In Alberta, that means the Indigenous Sport Council of Alberta (ISCA).
Key Funding Programs
Sport Canada — Sport Support Program (Indigenous Stream)
Sport Canada provides core funding to the ASC and PTASBs through the Sport Support Program. This funding supports organizational operations, coaching development, athlete development, and participation programs. While organizations typically do not apply directly to Sport Canada for this funding, they can access it through their PTASB's programs.
North American Indigenous Games (NAIG)
The North American Indigenous Games are held every three to four years and involve thousands of Indigenous athletes from across the continent. Provincial teams require significant funding for athlete preparation, travel, equipment, and coaching. PTASBs coordinate team selection and often distribute funding to support athletes and coaches attending NAIG. Individual athletes and sport organizations can apply for travel subsidies and preparation support through their PTASB.
Community Sport Programming
PTASBs fund community-level sport programming in Indigenous communities. This can include:
- After-school sport programs — Funding for equipment, facility rental, and program leaders
- Sport camps — Summer and winter camps that introduce youth to new sports
- Coach development — Subsidies for NCCP coaching certification and mentorship programs
- Traditional sport revitalization — Programs that preserve and promote traditional Indigenous sports and games
- Multi-sport events — Regional Indigenous sport competitions and gatherings
Athlete Financial Assistance Program (AFAP)
Some PTASBs administer athlete financial assistance programs that provide direct funding to Indigenous athletes competing at provincial, national, or international levels. These grants typically range from $500 to $5,000 and cover training costs, competition travel, equipment, and coaching fees.
Alberta-Specific Opportunities
The Indigenous Sport Council of Alberta administers several programs relevant to Alberta-based organizations and athletes:
- Community sport grants for First Nations, Metis Settlements, and urban Indigenous organizations
- Coaching development subsidies that cover NCCP certification costs for Indigenous coaches
- Team Alberta support for NAIG and other national Indigenous sport events
- Youth leadership programs that combine sport with cultural activities and mentorship
Alberta organizations should also be aware that they can stack Indigenous sport funding with mainstream provincial grants. Alberta Sport Connection grants, CFEP funding for facility improvements, and Community Initiatives Program grants are all available to Indigenous sport organizations alongside ISCA-specific funding.
Who Can Apply?
Eligibility varies by program, but generally the following entities can access Indigenous sport funding:
- First Nations bands and tribal councils
- Metis Settlements and Metis Nation locals
- Indigenous Friendship Centres
- Urban Indigenous organizations with sport programming
- Indigenous sport clubs and leagues
- Individual Indigenous athletes (for athlete assistance programs)
- Schools and community organizations serving predominantly Indigenous populations
Importantly, organizations do not need to be exclusively Indigenous-serving to apply for some programs. A youth sport club that serves a community with a significant Indigenous population may be eligible for programming funding through the PTASB or through Indigenous-focused streams within mainstream grant programs.
Application Tips for Indigenous Sport Funding
Lead With Community Voice
The strongest applications for Indigenous sport funding are those that demonstrate genuine community engagement. Funders want to see that programming was designed with — not just for — the community it serves. Include letters of support from Elders, band councils, or community leaders. Describe how community members were involved in program design.
Connect Sport to Broader Outcomes
Indigenous sport funding is increasingly tied to outcomes beyond athletic performance. Funders want to see how sport programming contributes to youth mental health, cultural revitalization, community connection, and leadership development. Frame your program as more than just sport — describe the holistic benefits.
Address Barriers Directly
Be specific about the barriers your community faces. Geographic isolation, lack of facilities, transportation challenges, equipment costs, and coaching shortages are all real barriers that funders understand and want to help address. Do not downplay the challenges — quantify them.
Demonstrate Cultural Relevance
Programs that integrate Indigenous cultural elements — traditional games, Elder involvement, land-based activities, ceremony — are viewed more favorably than generic sport programs delivered to Indigenous communities. Show how your programming reflects and strengthens cultural identity.
Other Federal Funding for Indigenous Sport
Beyond the ASC and PTASBs, several other federal programs support Indigenous sport:
- Community Sport for All Initiative — Has a specific Indigenous focus area with enhanced funding
- Canadian Heritage — Multiculturalism and Sport — Funds inclusion programs that often serve Indigenous communities
- Indigenous Services Canada — Community Infrastructure — Can fund sport and recreation facilities in First Nations communities
- New Relationship Trust (BC) and similar provincial bodies — Offer additional funding in some provinces
Alpine Grants specializes in helping Indigenous communities and organizations access the full spectrum of sport and community funding. We understand the unique landscape and can help you navigate both Indigenous-specific and mainstream grant programs. Book a 10-minute discovery call to explore what funding is available for your community.