Aboriginal Development

The Saskatchewan Lacrosse Association understands the importance of increasing the participation of Aboriginal people in the game of lacrosse in Saskatchewan. The SLA board recently discussed Aboriginal issues and a number of motions were passed at the board meeting held after the discussion.

"To apply for the Aboriginal Excellence (North American Indigenous Games) grant and put full efforts into developing an aboriginal field lacrosse team for the 2006 NAIG being held in Denver, Colorado."

The SLA will support all clubs in also being proactive in supporting initiatives to increase Aboriginal participation.

The SLA is offering to help facilitate any planning meetings and/or orientation/discussion sessions aimed at increasing the Aboriginal participation in the sport of lacrosse in your community. The SLA strongly recommends each club in an area with a significant population of Aboriginal people take this initiative.

The SLA can assist in the organization of this initiative in the following manner:

1. Pay expenses for facilitator – SLA First Nations/Metis board member, Aleta Bird of Prince Albert
2. Pay for facility expenses – meeting room at rec. center or hotel
3. Assist with promotion of meeting/session
4. Contact other stakeholders – Aboriginal organizations
5. Other Expenses as deemed acceptable by the SLA Executive Director

Why should I self-identify as being of Aboriginal descent?

• Assist in measuring and reporting Aboriginal participation levels in key areas such as athletes, coaches, officials and volunteers.
• Assist in identifying people that may qualify for certain services, or enable them to compete or otherwise participate in certain competitions and activities arranged, organized or sanctioned by our organization (such as Saskatchewan First Nation Games, North American Indigenous Games, coaching, officiating, awards and recognition programs, etc.).
• Assist the Saskatchewan Lacrosse Association in planning & measuring key objectives in increasing the Aboriginal participation in the sport of lacrosse.
• Assist the sport of lacrosse in receiving more funding through Sask Sport Inc. and government agencies.

• In any way that might constitute a prohibited preference in accordance with the Saskatchewan Human Rights Code (i.e. such as with respect to employment)
• In a manner that is not compliant with the Privacy Act and our privacy policies pertaining to the collection, use, disclosure and retention of personal information.

North American Indigenous Games – Field Lacrosse Team

The North American Indigenous Games are scheduled for the end of July 2006 in Denver, Colorado, USA.

The Saskatchewan Lacrosse Association is trying to assist in the development of a field lacrosse team for participation in these games. The team will either be Bantam (athletes born in 1992 or 1993) or Midget (athletes born in 1990 or 1991). We request any lacrosse players (box or field) interested in participating in these games to contact the Saskatchewan Lacrosse Association so we can record your contact information and forward it to the potential team contacts.

Please note: All athletes will be required to provide proof of their First Nations or Metis ancestry.

We currently need to recruit an individual interested in acting as a coordinator for the team and/or individuals interested in coaching the team. If you are interested in assisting in the development of this great opportunity for a number of athletes then please contact the SLA office as soon as possible.

Sport Coordinator Position Information:

(Volunteer)

Work cooperatively in the design, coordination and implementation of  high performance sport specific programs and opportunities for Aboriginal  populations in Saskatchewan. Note: All decisions finalized through Chef de Mission and/or designated Assistant Chef de Mission.

Responsibilities:

• Coordinate the talent identification process, training, and competition cycle(s) for NAIG Team Saskatchewan through identified plans specific to each sport.
• Recruitment of coaches, managers, and trainers for a specific sport.
• Ensure that all documentation and reports are complete and delivered to the Team Saskatchewan Office in a timely manner.
• Ongoing evaluation and monitoring of athletes, coaches, managers, and trainers.
• Arrange for cost effective identification camps, training sessions, and competitions.
• Ensure the administrative responsibilities are carried out for the participation of Team Saskatchewan.
• Ensure that all athletes receive notice of selection and code of conduct manual (provided by Team Saskatchewan Office).
• Arrange for the training and development of athletes in a specific sport from the time of selection to the start of the games.
• Ensure that each participant in a specific sport has received all information with regards to their involvement with NAIG Team Saskatchewan.
• Provide leadership to all areas of sport development while fostering Aboriginal cultural lifestyles to Team Saskatchewan.

For more information or to bring forth any ideas/suggestions, please contact the SLA office via email: lacrosse@sasktel.net or phone (306) 780-9216 or contact SLA First Nations/Metis Board member, Aleta Bird by email mrsajbird@hotmail.com or phone (306) 922-4118.