Special Olympics Team Canada strengthens bonds through Indigenous-Led Team Culture Sessions

Cultural Learning and Team Building

The sessions began with a smudging and a welcome blessing, grounding participants in tradition and respect. Performances of traditional dances and music followed, each accompanied by an explanation of their significance. A powerful moment featured facilitator Gina Onespot performing a Jingle Dress dance, a tradition that dates back to 1918. The Jingle Dress Dance is a sacred Anishinaabe tradition that symbolizes healing, pride, and cultural identity. The dance is performed by women and girls wearing dresses with metal cones that make a jingling sound as the dancer moves. Gina shared its meaning with Special Olympics Team Canada members, saying:

“This dance reminds us that movement is medicine. Like athletes who push the limits of their bodies and spirits, Jingle Dress dancers embody resilience, endurance, and balance. Every step is a reminder of our connection to one another and Mother Earth, moving together toward collective healing and strength.”

Special Olympics Team Canada alpine skier, Jessica Larivée, was deeply moved by the performance. After the dance, she approached Gina with a heartfelt hug and shared:

“It was so beautiful. I felt the healing energy and I wanted to thank you for sharing it with my team."

The sessions also included team-building exercises rooted in cultural teachings that instill important lessons. Brent used an eagle feather as a symbol of resilience and positivity. He encouraged athletes to share their challenges, ruffling the feather with each story, then asked them to share positive actions they have taken to confront these challenges. With each shared action, Brent smoothed the feather, symbolizing the restoration of strength and balance. He emphasized:

“Sometimes in sports, our routines can get disrupted, and that can be frustrating, but we can train our minds to be the strongest muscle in our bodies. We can condition ourselves to always think positively.”

Brent also shared his personal journey in sport, reflecting on its transformative power:

“Sport was my safe place – it has always been a place where I can be myself. It was a way I could express myself and be creative, and it was never a place I felt embarrassed because I always felt value as part of a team.”

This message resonated deeply with Special Olympics Team Canada athletes, including cross-country skier Marley Gayler, who remarked:

“Sport is a safe place for so many people, including myself. We're all so much more alike than different, and you get to see that here when we train together. I will always respect my teammates and make sure I am doing my part to keep sport a safe place for people of all backgrounds and abilities. Can’t think of anything more Canadian than that!”

Special Olympics Canada’s Commitment to Indigenous Inclusion and Partnership

At Special Olympics Canada, we recognize the importance of building meaningful and enduring relationships with Indigenous communities across the country. Our mission is to create an inclusive environment where everyone has the opportunity to participate in and benefit from the transformative power of sport. We have already taken steps to promote Indigenous inclusion within our organization and are dedicated to building on this foundation.

We are currently in the beginning phases of this important work. As an organization, we acknowledge that we have much to learn. This journey requires listening, understanding, and adapting. We are dedicated to this ongoing process and are committed to making long-term investments to support it.

We are committed to investing time, learning, and expertise in the following key areas:

• Building Long-Lasting Relationships with Indigenous Partners: We aim to establish and nurture partnerships with Indigenous communities, organizations, and leaders to ensure that our programs are accessible and relevant to Indigenous athletes, coaches, and families. These relationships will be built on mutual respect, trust, and a shared vision of inclusivity.
• Implementing Organizational Training, Education, and Awareness: We understand that to serve Indigenous communities effectively, we must first educate ourselves. We are dedicated to implementing comprehensive training programs for staff, coaches, and volunteers that will enhance our understanding of Indigenous cultures, histories, and perspectives. This training will influence our approach to programs, prioritizing cultural sensitivity and respect.
• Incorporating a Cultural Lens into Resources: We are in the process of reviewing and updating our existing resources, while developing new ones with a cultural lens that reflects the diverse Indigenous communities we aim to serve.

We know that true inclusion is a continuous journey, and we are prepared to walk this path with our Indigenous partners, guided by their knowledge and experiences.

Together, we will work towards creating a more inclusive Canada for all.