Aboriginal Sport Circle Announces Jaclyn Guenette as New Executive Director

May 1, 2026

OTTAWA, ON - The Board of Directors of the Aboriginal Sport Circle (ASC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Jaclyn Guenette as Executive Director, effective June 1, 2026.

A proud member of the Otipemisiwak Métis Nation of Alberta, Guenette brings extensive leadership experience in Indigenous-led sport systems, community engagement, and social development. She joins ASC at a pivotal moment, as the organization advances equitable and meaningful opportunities in sport, recreation, physical activity, and wellness for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples across Canada.

"Jaclyn is a values-driven leader with a deep commitment to Indigenous communities and the power of sport," said Rob Newman, President of the Aboriginal Sport Circle. "Her experience across grassroots and high-performance sport, combined with her ability to lead in complex, multi-partner environments, positions her well to guide ASC into its next chapter."

Guenette most recently served as Executive Director of the Indigenous Sport Council of Alberta, where she led strategic initiatives focused on wellness, inclusivity, and athletic development. Her work has consistently emphasized culturally grounded approaches and community-driven values, ensuring programs are responsive to the needs of Indigenous communities.

In 2022, Guenette was appointed Chef de Mission for Team Alberta at the 2023 North American Indigenous Games in Halifax, where she oversaw a delegation of more than 500 athletes, coaches, and staff. Under her direction, Team Alberta competed in all 16 sports, earned 82 medals, and finished fourth overall.

"Sport has shaped so much of my journey, and I've seen firsthand the impact it can have in our communities," said Jaclyn Guenette. "I'm honoured to join the Aboriginal Sport Circle and to work alongside our members and partners to strengthen Indigenous sport systems across the country. Together, we will continue creating pathways that empower Indigenous athletes and celebrate the strength of our cultures."

In addition to her sport leadership, Guenette brings over 15 years of experience in healthcare as a Registered Social Worker and Designated Capacity Assessor. She is also an internationally recognized children's author, a reflection of her commitment to both education and community.

As Executive Director, Guenette will provide strategic leadership to ASC, working closely with the Board of Directors and partners to advance national priorities, strengthen relationships, and support key initiatives, including the National Indigenous Sport Strategy.

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About the Aboriginal Sport Circle

The Aboriginal Sport Circle (ASC) is Canada's national voice for Aboriginal sport, physical activity, and recreation bringing together the interests of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples.

Established in 1995, the ASC was created through a national consensus-building process, in response to the need for more accessible and equitable sport and recreation opportunities for Aboriginal peoples. This mandate has expanded to include physical activity as well as expand advocacy and program areas again, to include health, nutrition, physical education, wellness.

As a member-based organization, each regional association carries the mandate to represent the grassroots interests of the Aboriginal peoples in their jurisdiction. It is their collective regional voice that guides the direction of the ASC and establishes its national priorities. Through partnerships and collaborations, the ASC supports expertise in athlete and coaching development, physical literacy and physical activity programs to Aboriginal communities throughout Canada.

The ASC is also the franchise holder for the North American Indigenous Games (NAIG), and annually hosts the National Aboriginal Hockey Championships (NAHC), in addition to effecting policy change at the highest levels of government.

 

Media Contacts

Jennifer Purdy

Aboriginal Sports Circle

ascoffice@aboriginalsportcircle.ca

 

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