April 29, 2021 – The Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity and Recreation Council (I·SPARC) is pleased to announce the six outstanding athletes named as the Fraser regional recipients of the 2020 Premier’s Awards for Indigenous Youth Excellence in Sport.
• Taya Suttill, 18, Soccer and Basketball, Surrey, Métis Nation BC
• Kendrick Lounsbury, 16, Football, Surrey, Namgis First Nation
• Olivia Lounsbury, 18, Basketball, Volleyball, Soccer, Track and Field, Swimming and Badminton, Chilliwack, Tahltan Nation
• Colton Cameron, 18, Hockey, Swimming and Wrestling, Surrey, Métis Nation BC
• Hillary Birkett, 13, Figure Skating and Track and Field, Surrey, Métis Nation BC
• Jayden Martin, 15, Football and Track and Field, Surrey, Siksika Nation
I·SPARC, in collaboration with the Province of British Columbia, launched the regional nomination process in late 2020, receiving nominations from each of I·SPARC’s six regions (Fraser, Interior, Northeast, Northwest, Vancouver Coastal, and Vancouver Island) for Indigenous athletes, under 25 years of age, who are competing in performance sport, and demonstrating a commitment to their education, culture, and promoting healthy and active lifestyles.
“Congratulations to all the regional winners of the Premier’s Awards for Indigenous Youth Excellence in Sport,” said Melanie Mark, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport. “I’m so proud of your accomplishments both on the field and in your community. Your outstanding achievements are a source of pride, especially for your family, coaches, and everyone who has supported and encouraged you along the way. This, to me, is reconciliation in action. More than ever in these challenging times, we need young people like you to give us hope. Keep following your dreams and reaching for the stars.”
Due to the pandemic restrictions, the Regional Awards celebrations could not be held this year. As a way of honouring this year’s recipients, I·SPARC has produced a series of commemorative videos highlighting each of the region’s athletes and celebrating their outstanding achievements. These videos will be unveiled on I·SPARC’s YouTube channel (click here to share video) and social media channels.
“Congratulations to each of the recipients in the Fraser region for your achievements in sport and the inspiration you are providing to live healthy and active lifestyles. Your hard work and dedication is something we can all be proud of. We look forward to seeing you continue to grow as great athletes and people,” said Cheryl Charlie, Fraser I·SPARC regional lead.
Over the week, I·SPARC will be announcing the 30 regional recipients of the Premier’s Awards for Indigenous Youth Excellence in Sport, by region. These regional recipients automatically serve as nominees for the Provincial Awards, which will be announced later this spring.
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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 people 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, Métis Chartered Communities, Aboriginal Friendship Centres, schools, and other delivery agencies throughout British Columbia.
