Red Tape Athletic Fund: Advancing Equity and Inclusion in Sport
The Fund will support students at any Atlantic University Sport (AUS) institutions who demonstrate athletic achievement, academic promise, and community involvement. It is rooted in the values of accountability, inclusion, and reconciliation through sport.
BORN FROM A MOVEMENT
The Red Tape Athletic Fund builds on the momentum of the Red Tape movement, which began in 2019 when Logan Prosper, a 16-year-old Mi’kmaq hockey player from Cape Breton, was racially targeted during a U18 game. Rather than walking away from the sport, Logan and his father Phillip Prosper created the Red Tape initiative to raise awareness of racism in hockey and promote personal responsibility in combatting it.
The movement rapidly gained national attention, with support reaching Ontario, Quebec, and New York. NHL players like, Akim Aliu and Cody McCormick offered encouragement and advice, and Hockey Nova Scotia responded by creating a task force to address discrimination. The Prosper family’s efforts have continued to inspire youth-led action and institutional change in sport.
Inspired by the movement and its growing impact, Dr. MacDonald wished to partner with Ulnooweg Indigenous Communities Foundation in order to create a region-wide fund that could grow beyond a single institution or award cycle.
ADVANCING EQUITY AND INDIGENOUS REPRESENTATION IN SPORT
Research consistently highlights the underrepresentation of Indigenous students in Canadian post-secondary institutions and varsity sports. Many require additional recruitment efforts, academic and athletic support, and community-grounded resources to thrive (Restoule et al., 2013; Frawley et al., 2017; Ottmann, 2017).
The Fund prioritizes applicants who demonstrate leadership and community involvement, continuing the Red Tape movement’s original call for action and responsibility.
A VISION FOR THE FUTURE
The Red Tape Athletic Fund is open to further donations and contributions. It is structured to be responsive, non-endowed, and accessible—able to disburse both capital and investment income directly to qualified donees and student recipients.
Ulnooweg Indigenous Communities Foundation will steward the Fund with transparency and community input.
Red Tape Award
Each year, the Red Tape Athletic Fund proudly presents the Red Tape Award to an Indigenous student-athlete who demonstrates excellence in sport, academics, and community leadership. Applications are now open for 2026 Red Tape Award.
Learn more about the Red Tape Award
