Eagle | Salmon | Raven | Frog | Light Meaning: This design embodies the diverse qualities and skillset of an ideal recipient. Represented in the circle are four animals. The eagle is for leadership and the pursuit of excellence. The salmon is for perseverance and connection to community. The raven is for creativity. The frog is for humility and the internal voice that drives them forward. The final element of the design is the circle or ring that weaves the figures together. It represents light, wisdom and the future. It represents the ever changing goals both on the field and in life. Stylistically this design gently stretches traditional expectations of coastal design. It has a contemporary feel but a traditional soul.
About the Awards
The Province of British Columbia and the Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity & Recreation Council (I·SPARC) have collaborated to establish the Premier’s Awards for Indigenous Youth Excellence in Sport to celebrate the outstanding achievements of Indigenous youth athletes throughout the province.
The Premier’s Awards for Indigenous Youth Excellence in Sport recognizes athletes who have achieved excellence in performance sport and are regarded for their leadership qualities both on and off the field of play.
Nominations will be accepted for youth athletes 24 years of age or younger (born in 2000 or later) who are competing in performance sport. A maximum of 36 awards will be given out, up to six awards within each of I·SPARC’s regions: Northeast, Northwest, Interior, Fraser, Vancouver Coastal, and Vancouver Island. From that group, 10 provincial recipients will be selected and honoured.
Nomination Requirements
To be eligible for the awards, an athlete must meet the following criteria:
- Has been a permanent resident of B.C. for the last 12 months
- Is of Indigenous ancestry (First Nations, Métis and/or Inuit)
- Is 24 years of age or younger (born in 2000 or later)
- Is actively participating in a recognized provincial sport and/or a regional/traditional sport and shows evidence of high athletic ability and performance results
- Is enrolled in school and is actively pursuing or planning to pursue a post-secondary education
Past Regional recipients remain eligible until they are 25 years of age. Past Provincial recipients are not eligible to receive the award in subsequent years.
2024 Nomination Process
The nomination period is now closed for 2024. Due to the selection process, late applications cannot be accepted.
Supporting Documents
Please note that Nomination Forms must be completed in full. Incomplete forms will NOT be considered.
Selection Criteria
The Award’s selection committee will assess nominees using the following five criteria:
- Sport Achievements — Pursuing and achieving sport performances leading towards podium placements at regional, provincial, national and/or international competitions
- Leadership Qualities — Demonstrating the qualities of leadership, coachability, strong work ethic, and the characteristics of fair play both on and off the field of play
- Education — Demonstrating a commitment to academic studies and continued education
- Cultural Awareness — Demonstrating pride in their Indigenous ancestry and being actively engaged in cultural activities
- Future Goals — Demonstrating how their experience in sport is shaping their future
Only those competitive results/accomplishments achieved between October 1, 2023 and October 1, 2024 will be assessed. Nomination forms must be completed in full.
Applicants must not contact members of the selection committee regarding the status of their nomination. All requests for information should be directed to the Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity & Recreation Council (I·SPARC).
Successful Regional Nominees
Successful nominees will be notified in December 2024. Recipients will be celebrated in the first quarter of 2025.
Provincial Awards
The Regional recipients will automatically serve as nominees for the Provincial Awards. Provincial recipients will be notified in early 2025. Provincial recipients will receive an invitation to attend a virtual Provincial Awards ceremony in 2025, their profile will go on display at the BC Sports Hall of Fame, and they will receive a $500 bursary.
Inquiries and eligibility questions should be directed to:
premiersawards@isparc.ca
Phone: 250.856.0800