Aboriginal Sport Circle celebrates Indigenous coaches during National Coaches Week

September 14, 2026

OTTAWA - September 14, 2026 - The Aboriginal Sport Circle (ASC) is celebrating the coaches who help athletes grow, strengthen sport in their communities and create opportunities for the next generation during National Coaches Week, September 14 - 20.

Across Canada, Indigenous coaches play an important role that extends well beyond competition. They are mentors, leaders and role models who help create positive sport experiences while strengthening capacity within First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities.

"Coaches have an incredible ability to shape how people experience sport," said Jaclyn Guenette, Executive Director, Aboriginal Sport Circle. "Great coaching is about developing athletes, but it is also about building confidence, creating a sense of belonging and helping people see what is possible for themselves. Investing in Indigenous coaching means investing in stronger athletes, stronger communities and the future of Indigenous sport."

One way ASC supports the development of Indigenous coaches is through the Aboriginal Apprentice Coach Program (AACP), delivered in partnership with Provincial and Territorial Aboriginal Sport Bodies (PTASBs), provincial and territorial coaching representatives, the Canada Games Council and the Coaching Association of Canada.

The program provides Indigenous coaches from across the country with opportunities to participate at the Canada Games as apprentice coaches while gaining mentorship, professional development and experience in a national multi-sport environment.

Each province and territory can send up to two First Nations, Inuit or Métis coaches through the program. AACP participants work alongside experienced coaches while continuing their National Coaching Certification Program development, helping build coaching capacity in Indigenous communities across Canada.

The current AACP cohort is preparing for the 2027 Canada Winter Games in Quebec City.

2027 Aboriginal Apprentice Coach Program participants are:

• Desiree Tytgat - Alberta - Figure Skating
• Jenna Scott - British Columbia - Karate
• Parker Orchard - British Columbia - Hockey
• Madison Nicolas - Manitoba - Gymnastics (Artistic)
• Austin Clarkson - Manitoba - Alpine Skiing
• Mitch Issac - New Brunswick - Archery
• Kayla Campbell - Newfoundland & Labrador - Badminton
• Patrick Marshall - Nova Scotia - Hockey
• Madison Gould - Nova Scotia - Hockey
• Daniel Niptaniak - Nunavut - Table Tennis
• Ava Erasmus - Northwest Territories - Speed Skating
• Liz Pope - Northwest Territories - Squash
• Gerry Benoit - Ontario - Wheelchair Basketball
• Jill Smoke - Ontario - Hockey
• Jacob Landry - Quebec - Judo
• George Roy - Quebec - Badminton
• Kira Nelson - Saskatchewan - Cross-Country Skiing

National Coaches Week is an opportunity to recognize coaches at every level and the time, knowledge and care they contribute to sport. ASC thanks Indigenous coaches across Canada for the role they play in helping athletes and communities thrive.

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

--30--

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

 

---

View More