Mississauga, ON — November 5, 2026 — Indigenous Sport & Wellness Ontario (ISWO) is proud to announce an exciting new partnership with the Ontario Federation of School Athletic Associations (OFSAA). This collaboration will amplify recruitment efforts for athletes, coaches, and team staff to join Team Ontario, representing the province at the 2028 North American Indigenous Games (NAIG).
OFSAA, a federation comprising the 18 regional athletic associations across the province, will play a key role in raising awareness among student-athletes and educators about the opportunities available through Team Ontario. OFSAA will help identify and encourage talented Indigenous athletes and coaches to participate in this prestigious event through its extensive network of schools, coaches, and athletic programs.
The partnership highlights development and reconciliation. NAIG 2028 provides a platform for Indigenous athletes to showcase their skills on an international stage while fostering personal growth, leadership, and cultural pride. For coaches and team staff, it’s an opportunity to mentor the next generation of talent and contribute to the broader goal of reconciliation through sport.
"The partnership with OFSAA and Indigenous Team Ontario will be monumental in increasing accessibility and visibility of Team Ontario's development heading into the North American Indigenous Games in 2028," said Gary Lynch, Manager of Sport and Athlete Development at ISWO. "We recognize that some of the best athletes in the province are in attendance at the many OFSAA championships, and this is a great opportunity to reduce barriers for our Indigenous athletes and coaches in joining Team Ontario for NAIG '28."
OFSAA’s involvement will also include supporting outreach initiatives and providing ISWO with opportunities to speak directly to coaches. This partnership aligns with ISWO’s mission to create meaningful opportunities for Indigenous youth and communities through sport and wellness programs.
"We are very pleased to help support the ongoing efforts of Indigenous Team Ontario leading up to the 2028 North American Indigenous Games," said OFSAA Executive Director Shamus Bourdon. "OFSAA remains focused on enriching all student-athletes and coaches in the province and the upcoming Games is an excellent opportunity for personal growth, overall health and leadership."
The 2028 North American Indigenous Games, set to take place July 9-23, 2028, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, will bring together thousands of Indigenous athletes from across Turtle Island (North America) to celebrate sport, culture, and community. Team Ontario’s participation will highlight the province’s commitment to reconciliation and the empowerment of Indigenous peoples through sport. For more information on how to get involved with Team Ontario as an athlete, coach, or team staff, visit www.iswo.ca/team-ontario.
About ISWO
Indigenous Sport & Wellness Ontario (ISWO) is the designated Provincial/Territorial Aboriginal Sport Body for Ontario, delivering programs and services that promote wellness, leadership, and cultural identity through sport and physical activity.
About OFSAA
The Ontario Federation of School Athletic Associations (OFSAA) is comprised of 18 regional school athletic associations. We are committed to our philosophy of “Education through School Sport” and offer a variety of programs and services to secondary schools, secondary school students and teacher-coaches. These include competitive opportunities (46 provincial championships in 22 sports), volunteer recognition, coach training, participation development programs, resources, and communication vehicles.
Mission: To enrich all individuals in the school community by providing opportunities for overall health, personal growth, and education through school sport.
Vision: OFSAA is recognized as the leader in providing opportunities for education through school sport.
Values: Leadership | Respect | Integrity | Equity | Diversity | Inclusivity
Media Contacts
Pat Park
Communications & Marketing Lead
Ontario Federation of School Athletic Associations
Sonny Walton
Manager, Marketing & Communications
Indigenous Sport & Wellness Ontario