Ten Outstanding Indigenous Athletes Receive Prestigious Award

Traditional Territory of the lək̓ʷəŋən peoples / Victoria B.C. (December 14, 2023) – The Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity and Recreation Council (I·SPARC) is pleased to announce the 10 outstanding athletes named as provincial recipients of the 2022 Premier’s Awards for Indigenous Youth Excellence in Sport.

  • Kalezafar Lawrence (Penelakut Tribe): Lacrosse / Penticton, BC
  • Brooke Hall-Eckes (Tsartlip and Métis): Softball / Penticton, BC
  • Kynan Haintz (Hwlitsum First Nation): Wrestling / Pitt Meadows, BC
  • Kayla Burns (Métis): Volleyball / Oliver, BC
  • Indigo Berry (Nłeʔkepmxc First Nation): Karate / Kelowna, BC
  • Alex Paterson (Métis): Box and Field Lacrosse / Pitt Meadows, BC
  • Justin George (Tsleil-Waututh Nation): Soccer / North Vancouver, BC
  • Lauren Curtis (Wampanoag): Track & Field – Hammer Throw / Mission, BC
  • Braden Blace (Squamish Nation): Hockey / Duncan, BC
  • Santana DeFazio (Sts’ailes): Soccer / Abbotsford, BC

In collaboration with the Province of British Columbia, I·SPARC launched the regional nomination process for the Premier’s Awards in late 2022, receiving nominations from each of I·SPARC’s six regions (Fraser, Interior, Northeast, Northwest, Vancouver Coastal, and Vancouver Island). Nominations were open to Indigenous athletes under the age of 25 who have competed in performance sport, demonstrated a commitment to their education and culture, and have promoted healthy and active lifestyles. From the athlete nomination process, a total of 33 were selected and announced as regional recipients in July. Of the 33 regional recipients, 10 athletes were selected as provincial recipients for the 2022 Provincial Awards.

The 10 provincial recipients will receive a $500 bursary, a framed limited edition Premier’s Award print, and will have their photo and biography on display in the BC Sports Hall of Fame.

“I want to offer my congratulations to the Premier’s Awards for Indigenous Youth Excellence in Sport recipients. You worked hard, trained hard, you earned this honour. Today is about celebrating your achievements both on and off the field of play. You have already accomplished so much as leaders in your sport and in your community and this is just the beginning. All of BC is cheering you on and so am I. Congratulations to you on your amazing achievements,” said Premier David Eby.

“Congratulations to all the finalists for your outstanding sport performance, academic accomplishments, and leadership. You are a source of pride for people in your community and all British Columbians,” said Lana Popham, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport. “These awards are an incredible way to support Indigenous youth and foster greater understanding and appreciation for Indigenous culture that advances our government’s commitment to meaningful reconciliation in this province.”

“Through sport, Indigenous youth are not just excelling, they’re rewriting their narratives of possibility. These awards celebrate not only their achievements on the field, but their resilience, determination, and the cultural strength they carry with them. I’m honoured to congratulate these 10 exceptional recipients of the Premier’s Awards for Indigenous Youth Excellence in Sport. Your dedication inspires us all as you pave the way for a future where our youth continue to thrive, not only as athletes, but as empowered leaders of our communities,” said Corinne McKay, President of I·SPARC Board of Directors.

I·SPARC celebrated with the 2022 Premier’s Awards recipients during special event virtual ceremony that included a pre-taped video presentation hosted by Julie Nolin (Métis and Cree), who is a reporter, producer and weekend anchor for Global BC. She presented from the BC Sports Hall of Fame in the Indigenous Sport Gallery. The full video can be viewed on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/emQNhe-2N6M?si=RSX15EwAnw6v5cL3

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About the Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity & Recreation Council 

The Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity & Recreation Council (I·SPARC) is a provincial organization established with the purpose of improving the health outcomes of Indigenous peoples by supporting and encouraging physically active individuals, families, and communities. The programs and services delivered by I·SPARC are designed to build capacity and increase access to sport, recreation, and physical activity in First Nations communities, Métis Chartered Communities, Aboriginal Friendship Centres, schools, and other delivery agencies throughout British Columbia.