This joint workshop combines the Aboriginal Coaching Modules and Aboriginal Long-Term Participant Development Pathway in a unique way to provide participants with training on both professional development training tools. The workshop is designed to help Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal sport and physical activity coaches and leaders across Canada enhance their understanding about how to support Aboriginal participants and athletes in their coaching and programming.

It will spend time developing an appreciation of Aboriginal culture and how that culture plays out in terms of engagement and sustained participation through the sport system. It will also provide participants with an understanding of the role of sport in Aboriginal communities, how to positively influence the community in which you coach, and helping those you coach make healthy lifestyle choices. The workshop will outline the key elements that need to be considered when coaching, as well as planning, developing and implementing programs for and with Aboriginal peoples and communities. This includes a focus on responding to racism in sport and supporting the physical, mental, spiritual and cultural needs of the individual to maximize their experience in sport and physical activity. Participants will learn how we can adjust the competition pathway and some of the policies within the sport system to ensure that we create a clearer pathway for Aboriginal participants and athletes.

At the end of the workshop, participants will be trained in the NCCP Aboriginal Coaching Modules and the Aboriginal Long-Term Participant Development Pathway.

This workshop is a collaboration between the Aboriginal Sport Circle, Coaching Association of Canada and Sport for Life Society.