AMC Responds to Future of Sport in Canada Commission’s Preliminary Report
September 4, 2025
Treaty One Territory, Manitoba
AMC Communications
Treaty One Territory, Winnipeg, MB – The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) welcomes the release of the Future of Sport in Canada Commission’s Preliminary Report, which highlights the urgent need for systemic changes to ensure safe, inclusive, and equitable sport environments across Canada. The report’s recommendations, particularly those addressing maltreatment, equity, and access, are critical steps toward creating a sport system that respects the dignity and rights of all participants, including First Nations athletes and their Nations.
Grand Chief Kyra Wilson emphasized the importance of the report’s findings for First Nations in Manitoba:
“This report is a significant milestone in addressing the systemic barriers that have long excluded First Nation athletes and their Nations from fully participating in sport. It acknowledges the need for equity, diversity, and inclusion, and calls for meaningful collaboration with First Nations and other Indigenous groups. For First Nations in Manitoba, this is an opportunity to ensure that sport becomes a safe and welcoming space for our youth, where they can thrive without fear of discrimination or maltreatment. We look forward to working with all levels of government to implement these recommendations and create lasting change.”
Chief EJ Fontaine of Sagkeeng Anicinabe Nation also shared his thoughts:
“Sport has the power to unite and inspire, but for too long, First Nation athletes have faced systemic racism and exclusion. This report is a call to action for governments and sports organizations to prioritize equity and safety for all participants. It is our hope that these recommendations will lead to tangible improvements, including better access to sports programs and stronger protections for our youth. Sagkeeng Anicinabe Nation stands ready to support these efforts and ensure that sport becomes a tool for healing and empowerment in our communities.”
The AMC urges the Government of Canada and the Province of Manitoba to act swiftly on the report’s recommendations, particularly those related to collaboration with First Nations and other Indigenous groups, equity in funding, and the development of safe sport policies that reflect the unique needs of First Nations throughout Manitoba.
For more information, please contact:
Communications Team
Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs
Email: media@manitobachiefs.com
About The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs:
The AMC was formed in 1988 by the Chiefs in Manitoba to advocate on issues that commonly affect First Nations in Manitoba. AMC is an authorized representative of all 63 First Nations in Manitoba with a total of more than 172,000 First Nations citizens in the province, accounting for approximately 12 percent of the provincial population. AMC represents a diversity of Anishinaabe, Nehetho / Ininew, Anisininew, Denesuline, and Dakota Oyate peoples.