Aboriginal Sport Circle Announces Board Leadership Following Annual General Meeting

September 21, 2026

Aboriginal Sport Circle Announces Board Leadership Following Annual General Meeting

ASC recognizes outgoing Vice President Dr. Janice Forsyth and Director Brendon Smithson as Sara-Lynne Knockwood is appointed Vice President, Roiahtate Horn re-elected and Winston Delorme joins the Board

OTTAWA, September 21, 2026 - The Aboriginal Sport Circle (ASC) has announced its Board of Directors following its Annual General Meeting on September 16, recognizing the significant contributions of outgoing Vice President Dr. Janice Forsyth and Director Brendon Smithson while welcoming new and returning leadership to the Board.

Dr. Forsyth and Smithson conclude their terms after providing leadership, expertise and valuable perspective to ASC and the broader Indigenous sport system.

At the Annual General Meeting, Sara-Lynne Knockwood was elected Vice President, Roiahtate Horn was re-elected as a Director and Winston Delorme was elected to the Board.

Knockwood, a Mi'kmaq woman from Sipekne'katik First Nation in Nova Scotia, brings more than 20 years of experience in Indigenous sport and recreation. A former competitive athlete, she most recently served as Director of Sport and venue for the 2023 North American Indigenous Games in Kjipuktuk (Halifax) and has dedicated much of her career to creating opportunities for Indigenous youth through sport.

Horn brings extensive experience in Indigenous sport as an athlete, coach, official and administrator. A former North American Indigenous Games athlete and coach, he is currently Director of Sports and Recreation for the Mohawk Council of Kahnawake, where he oversees minor sport, facilities and programming with a focus on increasing access and capacity in sport and recreation.

Delome brings extensive experience in governance, Indigenous community engagement, emergency management and grassroots sport. An elected municipal Councillor, he has developed a strong understanding of governance, accountability and collaborative leadership. Through his work with the Alberta Emergency Management Agency, he supports First Nations communities across Alberta in emergency preparedness, response and recovery. He has also remained closely connected to Indigenous sport through his involvement with Team Alberta at the National Aboriginal Hockey Championships and the Louis Delorme Memorial Committee.

"Janice and Brendon have each brought tremendous knowledge, perspective and commitment to the work of the Aboriginal Sport Circle," said Rob Newman, President, Aboriginal Sport Circle. "Their contributions around the Board table have helped strengthen our organization and shape important work for the future of Indigenous sport in Canada. Janice's leadership in the development of The Spirit of Sport - Active Together, the National Strategy for Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity and Recreation in Canada in particular will have a lasting impact. We are deeply grateful for the time, insight and leadership they have given to ASC."

Dr. Forsyth, a member of Fisher River Cree nation, is a Professor of Indigenous Land-Based Physical Culture and Wellness in the School of Kinesiology, Faculty of Education, at the University of British Columbia. A respected researcher, educator and author, she has devoted her career to advancing Indigenous sport development in Canada. Dr. Forsyth was instrumental in the development the National Strategy for Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity and Recreation in Canada, helping shape a national framework grounded in Indigenous priorities, experiences and aspirations.

Smithson has spent much of his career supporting sport, recreation and physical activity in Mi'kmaw communities and across Nova Scotia. He served as CEO of the 2023 North American Indigenous Games Host Society in Kjipuktuk (Halifax), helping lead the delivery of the Games for more than 5,000 Indigenous youth from across Turtle Island. His experience also includes provincial and municipal recreation leadership, as well as extensive involvement in lacrosse as a player, coach, official and board member.

"Strong governance and Board that brings diverse experience and perspectives to the table are essential as ASC continues to grow and strengthen its work," said Jaclyn Guenette, Executive Director, Aboriginal Sport Circle. "We are grateful for the foundation Janice and Brendan have helped build and we are pleased to welcome Winston to the Board, see Roiahtate continue his service and have Sara-Lynne step into the Vice President role. Each brings valuable experience and perspective that will help guide ASC and support our work across the Indigenous sport system."

The ASC Board of Directors following the Annual General Meeting is:

President: Rob Newman
Vice President: Sara-Lynne Knockwood

Directors:

• Edward (Sonny) Albert
• Jamie Brake
• Charly Buyck
• Winston Delorme
• Roiahtate Horn

About the Aboriginal Sport Circle
The Aboriginal Sport Circle (ASC) is Canada's national voice for Indigenous sport, physical activity and recreation. Working with First Nations, Inuit and Métis partners across the country, ASC advances equitable opportunities for Indigenous peoples to participate, compete and lead through sport. Guided by its provincial and territorial member organizations, ASC supports athlete and coach development, community wellness and national advocacy to strengthen Indigenous sport systems and communities. As steward of the National Strategy for Indigenous Peoples' Participation in Sport, Physical Activity and Recreation in Canada, ASC is the franchise holder for the North American Indigenous Games (NAIG) and leads the National Aboriginal Hockey Championships (NAHC). www.aboriginalsportcircle.ca

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Contact:
Julie Hawrishok, Communications Manager, Aboriginal Sport Circle
613-451-2785
jhawrishok@aboriginalsportcircle.ca

 

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