ISWO Leadership Conference

REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN  – Indigenous Sport & Wellness Ontario (ISWO) is pleased to partner with the University and Guelph and a series of other partners to host the ISWO Leadership Conference. This Indigenous reconciliation event aims to bring academics, sport coaches, administrators, and youth (primarily 18-29) together for shared learning and discussion of Indigenous sport, physical literacy, leadership, the environment, and youth employment.

This conference will include academic panels, a plenary, a keynote, and a workshop devoted to building a Turtle Island Research Agenda. Individuals will also be certified in the the Aboriginal Coaching Module, Indigenous Sensitivity Training, and be exposed to a new Indigenous land-based Physical Literacy Training Module. ISWO Indigenous Youth and University of Guelph Indigenous students and coaches and Athletic Department staff will help plan, organize and participate in sessions tailored directly to them.

There will be a nominal registration fee for adults – the event is free for students and economically challenged participants. Space will be limited, so register ASAP at the link below! Meals will be provided. The schedule is now available – scroll down for more information!

Accommodation Link: https://uoguelph.starrezhousing.com/StarRezConferenceX/B7E49C19/108/1598/Book_Now-Group_Selection?GroupCode=ISWO24&HadEmptyContext=True 

Registration Link for Attendance: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/sonnywaltoniswoca-82375690483

Aboriginal Coaching Module Certification: To register for the ACM course, please visit the following link https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/912077356927?aff=oddtdtcreator

There is a $25 fee for courses. Coaches must be 14 or older to access NCCP multi-sport training in Ontario. * Coaches are responsible for providing the LF with their National Coaching Certification Program number (NCCP#) at the start of the workshop.

Aboriginal Coaching Module

• Master Coach Developer Greg Henhawk
• Date/Time: June 29, 2024, from 9:15AM-5:00 PM
• Cost: $25The ACM responded directly to the identified need for a national coach training curriculum that reflects the uniqueness of Indigenous culture, values and lifestyles. Originally designed for coaches of First Nation, Métis and Inuit heritage, the program has been expanded to include non-Indigenous coaches working within Indigenous communities and with Indigenous people. Designed to complement the NCCP certification process, the ACM is a professional development training tool for all coaches who coach Indigenous athletes.
• Room Large Gym Area Room or the Business Department Room with 4 screens and strong internet
• Lunch provided

Update. We are providing the course materials for the ACM module.

June 29, 2024, Saturday from 9:15AM-5PM

University of Guelph, Department of Athletics

50 Stone Road East, Guelph ON N1G 2W1

Entertainment on June 28th will be provided by the one and only DJ Shub!

About our keynote speakers and knowledge keepers at the event:

Student Athlete Panel

Rain Jhaj

Hi, I’m Rain Jhaj! I’m currently in my third year of an undergraduate psychology degree and my third year competing on the Varsity Women’s Basketball team at the University of Guelph. I come from a diverse background, with Métis and Six Nations heritage. My dedication to my studies led me to Nova Scotia for high school, where I attended King’s-Edgehill School, a private institution on scholarship.

I discovered my passion for basketball at the age of five and have since travelled across North America to participate in various tournaments. My love for the game extends beyond playing; I have been coaching youth basketball for the past eight years and am eager to pursue a career in this field. I am committed to using my experiences to inspire and develop the next generation of athletes.

Anna May

I am an Anishinaabekwe student athlete here at the University of Guelph. I am a member of Nipising First Nation and grew up in Lakefield. I will be starting my third year here in the fall and am taking Anthropology. I compete on the Cross Country and Track and Feild varsity team. I also competed in both Track and Cross Country at NAIG 2023.

Nikina Bear-Lowen

Nikina Bear-Lowen is from Constance Lake First Nation, an Oji-Cree community on Treaty 9. She is a third-year Biology student at Guelph University and is a member of the Guelph Gryphons women’s varsity volleyball team. Nikina was recently awarded Rookie of the Year for the 2023-24 season. Last summer, she was an intern at McMaster University’s Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences Summer Scholars Program in Dr. Bowdish’s lab, researching the effects of the COVID-19 vaccine on older adults. This summer, she was selected for an exchange program to have conversations with the Sami on revitalizing Indigenous lands and cultures. Travelling to northern Sweden and Norway to learn more about the Sami people and their culture. When Nikina is not studying, she enjoys coaching volleyball, beading, and travelling.

Knowledge Keepers

Val King – Mississauga of the Credit First Nation

Dayna & Glen MacDougall – 13 Moons Land-based learning

For more information contact Sonny Walton at sonny.walton@iswo.ca