Racism in sport presentation planned for later this month

The Indian Friendship Centre will be hosting an online presentation that will address anti-racism, anti-homophobia/transphobia in sport later this month.

The two-hour presentation will include a look at the history of racism in sport, specifically for Indigenous people.

Following is a full release:

Attention: Sports Coaches, Fitness Instructors, Recreation Coordinators, Physical Education Teachers, Gym Owners, Wellness Facilitators

What: Anti-Racism, Anti-Homophobia/Transphobia in Sport Presentation
When: Wednesday, Feb. 23 from 1 – 3 p.m. via Zoom
Through who: The Indian Friendship Centre

Facilitated By: 
Brad Robinson - Owner of Thrive Tours and former Sudbury Spartans player and coach
Katie Lariviere - student athlete and social advocate 
Frank Belleau - Anishanaabe knowledge carrier and lacrosse stick maker 

Please join us as we discuss what racism looks like in sport and it’s history in sport, specifically for Indigenous people.

We’ll share examples of who has shown racism and how they were confronted and corrected. Participating coaches/instructors/coordinators will learn some of the nuances about the Indigenous culture and why it will be important for them to recognize and educate themselves towards these ways.

We will also briefly explore how gender and sexuality affect an athletes’ experience in sport and the discrimination 2SLGBTQ+ can face from coaches or peers. We will discuss how to combat and be proactive when it comes to these issues so that we can provide safer spaces for our athletes.

Why is it important to address racism in sport?

A message from lead facilitator Brad Robinson: “It’s important to address these issues because children who experience racism in sport are more likely to not want to pursue other opportunities and their families could also be negatively affected by the people who choose to ignore the signs and symptoms of racism. If an athlete is of a culture that is a minority and judged for any reason that is cultural, it can be demeaning and could dissuade them from advancing in the sport and ultimately affect their quality of life. You (providers) should reinforce what you know and learn what you don’t so you can better advocate for Indigenous athletes as an ally.”

Thank-you/Miigwetch to Brianne Veale - Northern Elite Female Hockey Academy, Josh Ingram - Tourism Sault Ste. Marie, Robert MacLeod - Soo Curlers Association, Adele Nanne - Soo Pee Wee Hockey League, Amelie Goudreau - Amelie Goudreau Yoga, Denise Bell - 4 All Yoga, Cynthia MyCutcheon - Dagokiig Yoga, Steve Flood - Seneca College, Heather Pusch - Sault College / Pusch Fitness for registering already for this presentation. We look forward to sharing space with you all.

To participate:

Please email Katrina Francella (Sports Coordinator – The Indian Frmendship Centre) at [email protected] with your full name, position title and organization’s name. This presentation is free of charge, thanks to the Sport Canada – Indigenous Sport Inclusion Project. Participants will receive an attendance certificate and we will notify our program coordinators which people/organizations participated so we can build healthier partnerships in the future.