The Bridge Through Sport program is designed in partnership with the Musqueam Indian Band. We work to support Musqueam youth through creating fair, equitable and supportive learning environments that focus on healthy eating, learning, recreation and well-being. Our aim is to increase youth retention in their current and future academic settings through participation in these types of programs. BTS supports Musqueam and UBC’s ongoing partnership through strengthened relations.
Inspiration for the BTS program stemmed from Musqueam community leaders who attributed their success to the values they gained through playing sports. From this, the University’s then Department of Community Affairs was tasked with developing and supporting the program, which began in 2002. Subsequently, the first Musqueam youth soccer tournament was held in 2003. Since then, the program, now administered by the First Nations House of Learning, has grown to incorporate various clubs and initiatives in response to the recreational and academic needs of the community’s youth.
Program Values
- Leverage sport as a powerful tool to empower Musqueam youth and support lifelong learning
- Increase accessibility and meaningful engagement with UBC for Musqueam youth and their families
- Align with and support Musqueam Recreation’s vision of developing leadership through sport and physical activity
- Encourage Musqueam and other First Nations youth to complete high school and pursue post-secondary education alongside cultural, land-based, and community learning
- Strengthen UBC’s institutional knowledge and responsibility to recognize, respect, and engage with the Musqueam community, its history, and its ongoing presence
- Create meaningful leadership, mentorship, and experiential learning opportunities for UBC students
Partners
Musqueam Indian Band
The Musqueam Indian Band provides staff support across multiple departments, working collaboratively with UBC staff to develop, plan, coordinate, and co-host initiatives under Bridge Through Sport. The Musqueam Band contributes joint funding to support program delivery. Musqueam staff play a key role in sharing opportunities with the Musqueam community and serve as a liaison to other First Nations communities.
First Nations House of Learning
The First Nations House of Learning provides staff support through the Bridge Through Sport Coordinator. The coordinator facilitates co-sponsored events and initiatives in partnership with UBC programs, faculties, and the Musqueam community. FNHL also contributes joint funding to support select Bridge Through Sport initiatives.