Honouring Excellence Across Indigenous Sport: 2026 Award Nominations Now Open

June 1, 2026

Honouring Excellence Across Indigenous Sport: 2026 Award Nominations Now Open

The Aboriginal Sport Circle invites nominations for the National Indigenous Coaching Awards and Tom Longboat Awards

Ottawa, ON - The Aboriginal Sport Circle (ASC) is now accepting nominations for the 2026 National Indigenous Coaching Awards and the Tom Longboat Awards - two of the most distinguished honours recognizing excellence in Indigenous sport in Canada.

Together, these awards reflect the strength, growth and impact of the Indigenous sport system - from community-based programs to high-performance competition. They recognize not only achievement in sport, but also leadership, mentorship and a commitment to holistic development that supports physical, mental, cultural and spiritual well-being.

The National Indigenous Coaching Awards recognize Indigenous coaches who demonstrate excellence, integrity and leadership in their approach to coaching, and whose influence extends beyond sport into the communities they serve.

The Tom Longboat Awards, established in 1951, remain one of the longest-standing and most prestigious honours for Indigenous athletes in Canada. Presented annually, they recognize athletes who exemplify outstanding achievement alongside sportsmanship, fair play and a commitment to being positive role models.

"Across the country, Indigenous athletes and coaches are shaping sport in ways that are deeply rooted in community, culture and leadership," said Rob Newman, President of the Aboriginal Sport Circle. "These awards are an opportunity to recognize not just performance, but the broader impact individuals are having within the Indigenous sport system and beyond. We look forward to celebrating this year's nominees and the strength they represent."

Submit a nomination
The Aboriginal Sport Circle invites submissions through July 10, 2026.
National Indigenous Coaching Awards: www.surveymonkey.com/r/QZ6GLRH
Tom Longboat Awards: www.surveymonkey.com/r/QZXGSV9

Award recipients will be announced at the 2026 National Indigenous Sports Gala, taking place October 24, 2026, in Ottawa.

 

Media Contact:
Jennifer Purdy

Aboriginal Sports Circle

ascoffice@aboriginalsportcircle.ca

www.aboriginalsportcircle.ca

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About the Aboriginal Sport Circle

The Aboriginal Sport Circle (ASC) is Canada's national voice for Indigenous 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 Indigenous 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. The ASC is also the steward of The Spirit of Sport: Active Together, the National Strategy for Indigenous Peoples' Participation in Sport, Physical Activity, and Recreation in Canada.

As a member-based organization, each regional association carries the mandate to represent the grassroots interests of the Indigenous 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 Indigenous 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.

 

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