Provincial Recipients Announced for Premier’s Awards for Indigenous Youth Excellence in Sport

Traditional Territory of the lək̓ʷəŋən peoples / Victoria B.C. (November 15, 2022) – The Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity and Recreation Council (I·SPARC) is pleased to announce the 10 outstanding athletes named as provincial recipients of the 2021 Premier’s Awards for Indigenous Youth Excellence in Sport.

  • Kaelem Dumont (Métis Nation BC): Cross Country Running/Track and Field, South Surrey, BC
  • Nevada Johnson (Northwest Territory Métis Nation): Softball, Delta, BC
  • Felix Grant (Musqueam Nation): Soccer/Rugby/Track and Field/Basketball, Vancouver, BC
  • Sasha Lam (Métis Nation): Rhythmic Gymnastics, Victoria, BC
  • Scott Larden (Hwlitsum First Nation): Field Lacrosse/Box Lacrosse/Handball, Richmond, BC
  • Gabrielle Papushka (Métis Nation): Softball/Volleyball, Surrey, BC
  • Darius Sam (Neskonlith Band): Endurance Running, Lower Nicola, BC
  • Kiera Pemberton (Nova Métis Heritage Association): Basketball, Langley, BC
  • Nikolas Sertic (Mid-Isle Métis Nation and MNOC): Soccer/Volleyball/Swimming, Nanaimo, BC
  • Sahara Tom (Lake Babine Nation): Softball, Nanaimo, BC

In collaboration with the Province of British Columbia, I·SPARC launched the regional nomination process for the Premier’s Awards in late 2021, 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. Six athletes were selected from each region, resulting in 36 regional recipients. Of the 36 regional recipients, 10 athletes were selected as provincial recipients for the 2021 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.

“The Premier’s Awards are a celebration of Indigenous youth excellence on and off the field,” said Premier John Horgan. “This year’s recipients have already achieved so much as leaders in their sport and as representatives for their community, but this is only the beginning. Congratulations on your accomplishment and know that I’ll be cheering you on from the sidelines.”

“I am so proud of these young athletes and community leaders, for their accomplishments in high performance sport, and commitment to their education and volunteer efforts in their communities,” said Lisa Beare, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport. “Sport has the power to change lives, to create strong community connections and to inspire generations to care for each other. I know that these award recipients will continue to inspire us to persevere, engage and dream big.”

“Each recipient embodies the qualities of a leader, is connected to their community, and is committed to their studies and future goals. All athletes have demonstrated perseverance and dedication to their sport. Congratulations to all of you. We wish you the best with your future goals and are honoured to celebrate this recognition with you as you continue to excel and make your families and communities proud,” said Corinne McKay, President of I·SPARC Board of Directors.

Over the next few weeks, I·SPARC will be honouring the 2021 Premier’s Awards recipients with a special event held over Zoom. The celebration will include a pre-taped video presentation conducted from the BC Sports Hall of Fame and hosted by Blake Price, sports broadcaster.

The nomination process for the 2022 Premier’s Awards for Indigenous Youth Excellence in Sport is now open until Dec. 16. Nomination forms can be found at https://isparc.ca/grants-recognition/premiersawards/