Indigenous Sport & Wellness Ontario

08/21/2026

We're excited to be sponsoring this upcoming pitching clinic in Cochrane, Ontario! ⚾️ Check out the post below for details and information on how to register.

Elissa was originally supposed to go to Moose Cree but plans changed and she's coming to Cochrane instead. Please email Nancy at [email protected] to register. In the event that weather is an issue, we will work on securing an indoor venue. Stay tuned. Meegwetch to Indigenous Sport & Wellness Ontario for sponsoring this event.

08/19/2026

Our Standing Bear summer students have been busy running programs across Ontario this summer 🛶 This snapshot was taken at a recent watersports camp in Kenora, run by one of our students and a Facilitation Program graduate, Rachel.

From paddling on the water to building confidence on land, our summer students are making a real difference in communities across the province. They're designing meaningful experiences for youth while gaining hands-on leadership skills that will carry with them after the summer ends. We're incredibly proud of the work they're doing and the lasting impact they're leaving behind this summer 🌟

08/17/2026

One of the most meaningful outcomes of the Standing Bear Facilitator Training Program? Seeing young leaders bring their own goals, values, and vision into the program 🌟

From language revitalization and wellness education to youth retreats, this is what community-rooted leadership looks like: Indigenous youth leading from the inside out.

Ready to step into your leadership? Applications are now open for the Fall 2026 cohort of the Standing Bear Facilitation Program. Apply today and be part of something bigger than yourself 👇

https://hubs.la/Q04tc16Y0

08/14/2026

We still have a few interview spots to fill for our fall Standing Bear Facilitation Program! Apply online by August 24 to be considered 🔗 https://hubs.ly/Q04sV93m0

🐻 About the Standing Bear Facilitation Program
This 12-week training experience is designed for Indigenous youth who are ready to bring culturally grounded leadership programming into their own Nations and communities. It's built around a core belief that local facilitators know their communities best.

When facilitators lead in the places they live, work, and care for, programs become more responsive, more relevant, and more sustainable.

Participants can expect to:
➡️ Learn to deliver the Standing Bear curriculum with confidence and competence
➡️ Develop leadership skills grounded in Standing Bear values
➡️ Build the capacity to bring forward your own community-based initiatives
➡️ Join a cohort of facilitators helping expand Standing Bear programming across Ontario

This isn't one-size-fits-all delivery. It's about equipping facilitators to carry Standing Bear forward in ways that make sense for their unique communities.

If that sounds like the right fit for you or someone you know, you should apply to be a part of our fall cohort!

08/13/2026

🏐 We're still thinking about the All-Nations Volleyball Showcase in New Zealand last month!

Both the men's and women's All-Nations teams brought home victories in the final matches against Aotearoa Māori Poirewa, with hard-fought finishes against teams that played with incredible heart and mana. Players of the Game honours went to setters Kaylee Seguin (Team Ontario) and Maxime Vermette (Team Manitoba), whose performances were standout throughout.

The final days in New Zealand included more than just volleyball. All-Nations players were celebrated at an awards banquet and hangi hosted by Aotearoa Māori Poirewa, where Team Ontario's Calleigh Councillor took home the Best Blocker award. The teams also had the privilege of attending Te Pa Tu, where they shared in traditional foods, cultural immersion, and the Matariki ceremony.

Moments like these are what international Indigenous sport is all about. Events like the All-Nations Volleyball Showcase create space for Indigenous peoples to connect, celebrate shared traditions, and inspire the next generation. None of it happens without the dedication of our P/TASBs partners across provinces and territories, the generosity of external partners, and the communities that athletes call home. Thank you for helping make this possible 🙏

08/11/2026

UPDATE: The workshop is now full. Follow us to learn about more upcoming workshops.
🧵 Join us on August 21 for a hands-on bag sewing workshop led by talented bag maker and designer Quincy Sickles! Learn how to sew your very own quilted tote bag in a fun, supportive setting.

📅 August 21 | 9AM – 3PM
📍 Oneida Nation of the Thames Cookhouse
🍽️ Lunch & beverages included
﹩ Free to attend

Only 10 spots available, open to Indigenous peoples ages 18+.

Register today by emailing Shako with our Standing Bear program at [email protected] 📧

08/06/2026

At the end of July, our team travelled to Kenora for our latest Kids Play Day event 🎉 We had a fun-filled day at the Tom Nabb Outdoor Soccer Complex with kids and their families!

⚽ From soccer and Arctic sports to an inflatable obstacle course, ISWO and our local community partners had something for everyone, plus some meaningful cultural teachings at our booth 🌿

We've had an absolute blast bringing Kids Play Day to communities across Ontario this summer, and we can't wait for what's next! ☀️

08/01/2026

Check out what's coming up at ISWO this month and how you can get involved!

Registration details and applications can be found at https://hubs.la/Q04r0yW10

07/30/2026

🎓 Real skills. Real community. Real confidence that they're not doing this alone. That's the difference made for Indigenous youth who participate in ISWO's job readiness program that's available across Ontario.

We're providing Indigenous youth with real access to skills, opportunities, and personal growth, year after year 🧡

Our Bridge to Employment Program is a paid job readiness program open to Indigenous youth ages 18-34 residing in Ontario. To inquire about registering for an upcoming cohort, please contact [email protected].