The Aboriginal Coaching Program

The Aboriginal Sports Circle (the “ASC”) is a member based, not-for-profit organization that exists to support the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal peoples and communities through participation in sport, physical activity, and recreation.

As part of the work that the ASC does, it recognizes that coaches play a key role “on the field” (or on the water) but also are agents of social change. A coach’s guidance can have a direct and lasting impact on the athletes they coach, which can include healthy and active lifestyle choices and being an active participant and positive role model in their community. This echoes loudest when we look to the youth.

The ASC is the creator and steward of the Aboriginal Coaching Program (the “ACP”). In partnership with the Coaching Association of Canada (“CAC”), the ASC has “…made it a priority to educate, promote the value of, and establish Indigenous participation in the National Coaching Certification Program” (the “NCCP”).

The ACP provides culturally relevant professional development for coaches of First Nation, Métis, and Inuit descent, as well as provides critical training and tools for non-Indigenous coaches working with Indigenous communities or with Indigenous participants. The ACP is built around a cultural platform that is meant to engage coaches and empower them for the present and future.

The Aboriginal Coaching Program is made up of 4 key components:

• Aboriginal Coaching Modules: a training curriculum for Indigenous and non-Indigenous coaches that reflects unique Indigenous approaches, culture, values, and lifestyles, including a holistic approach to coaching; dealing with racism in sport; and individual and community health and wellness. For those who are interested in taking the Aboriginal Coaching Modules, or to host a workshop for your organization, you can contact the representative from Ontario: https://www.aboriginalsportcircle.ca/aboriginal-coaching-modules
• ACM Learning Facilitator Training: multi-step training program for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples interested in becoming accredited Learning Facilitators who can lead Aboriginal Coaching Modules. For more information on the Learning Facilitator Training, please see: https://www.aboriginalsportcircle.ca/acm-learning-facilitator-training
• Aboriginal Apprentice Coach Program: a professional development program for First Nation, Métis, and Inuit coaches. The program provides the opportunity for each province and territory to send 2 coaches to the Canada Games in apprentice coach roles. For more information on this Program, please see: https://www.aboriginalsportcircle.ca/aboriginal-apprentice-coach-program
• National Indigenous Coaching Awards: an annual event providing recognition for First Nation, Métis, and Inuit coaches who demonstrate exemplary integrity in their approach to coaching. For more information or to apply, please see: https://www.aboriginalsportcircle.ca/coaching-awards

Lastly, the ASC, in collaboration with a number of other organizations, hosts the Indigenous Community Coach Apprenticeship Program. This Program provides up to two Indigenous coaches from each Province and Territory with the opportunity to develop their coaching skills through the delivery of the North American Indigenous Games.

This Program aims to build capacity within Indigenous communities; provide coaches with multi-sport games exposure; provide apprentice coaches with professional development and learning opportunities to prepare them for high-level coaching; and to ensure that apprentice coaches are prepared to handle a meaningful role during the North American Indigenous Games.

For more information, please see: https://www.aboriginalsportcircle.ca/indigenous-community-coach-apprenticeship-program

Written by Caitlin Beresford 

Photo is property of North American Indigenous Games