Six Outstanding Indigenous Athletes Receive Prestigious Award

April 26, 2021 – The Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity and Recreation Council (I·SPARC) is pleased to announce the six outstanding athletes named as the Northeast and Northwest regional recipients of the 2020 Premier’s Awards for Indigenous Youth Excellence in Sport.

  • Grace Currie, 18, Softball, Quesnel, North Central Métis 
  • Jacob Heit, 17, Soccer and Skiing, Terrace, Kispiox
  • Tatum Jack, 14, Hockey, Basketball and Volleyball, Gitanmaax, Gitxsan
  • Nancy Moore, 16, Hockey,  Prince George, Haida – Massett Village
  • Taylor Parr, 16, Softball, Quesnel, Métis Nation BC
  • Rhon Peal, 19, Wrestling, Kitwanga, Nisga’a

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 the YouTube video) and social media channels.

“I personally congratulate the recipients in the Vancouver Coastal region. Now, more than ever, inspirational leaders like you are helping to bring our communities together. You have honoured the province, your nations, and your families with unwavering commitment and hard work,” said Ken Edzerza, Northeast I·SPARC regional lead.

“We are so proud to celebrate our recipients for the northern regions and share their incredible stories of athletic achievements and their dedication to culture, education, leadership and community,” said Corrine McKay, I·SPARC President and Northwest I·SPARC regional lead.

Over the next week, I·SPARC will be announcing the 30 regional recipients of the 2020 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.