Indigenous Athletes and Coaches from Across Canada Honoured at 2026 National Indigenous Sports Gala

October 24, 2026

OTTAWA, October 24, 2026 - Indigenous athletes and coaches from across Canada were celebrated tonight at the 2026 National Indigenous Sports Gala, as the Aboriginal Sport Circle (ASC) recognized outstanding achievement, leadership and contributions to sport.

Twenty-two athletes were honoured as regional recipients of the Tom Longboat Awards, representing provinces and territories across the country. From that group, Tuja Dreyer, Yukon, Swimming and Trinity Ellis, British Columbia, Luge were named the 2026 National Tom Longboat Award recipients.

Ross River Dena Council athlete Dreyer has established himself among Canada's top young swimmers, earning selection to Swimming Canada's National Development Program and the 2024 Junior Pan Pacific Championships. He won six gold medals at the 2023 North American Indigenous Games, became a two-time junior national champion in the 200m and 400m individual medley, and placed third at the 2025 Canadian Swimming Trials. Dreyer will continue his swimming and studies at the University of British Columbia.

Two-time Olympian Ellis represented Canada at the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026, finishing 15^th in women's singles. The Métis athlete also earned U23 bronze at the 2025 FIL World Championships and competes internationally on the World Cup circuit. Away from competition, Ellis mentors younger athletes and speaks with students and Indigenous youth across Canada.

"Tonight is about recognizing Indigenous excellence in all its forms - achievement, leadership, resilience, mentorship and connection to community," said Jaclyn Guenette, Executive Director, Aboriginal Sport Circle. "These athletes and coaches are making an impact far beyond competition, and we're proud to celebrate them on a national stage."

The Tom Longboat Awards have celebrated Indigenous athletic experience for decades, recognizing athletes whose achievements in sport are matched by leadership, sportsmanship and connection to community.

The Gala also recognized Dale Bear and Victoria Marchand with National Indigenous Coaching Awards, celebrating their contributions to athlete development, mentorship and Indigenous sports leadership.

Peguis First Nation's Dale Bear has spent more than a decade developing Indigenous athletes and coaches in Manitoba, including as Head Coach of Manitoba's women's team at the National Aboriginal Hockey Championships (NAHC.) His teams have won three NAHC gold medals, along with silver and bronze finishes, and he has made mentorship a central part of his coaching by helping former athletes transition into coaching roles.

An Aniishinabekwe from Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg and Long Point First Nation, Victoria Marchand is Director of Indigenous Player Development and Pathways with Hope and Health and Head Coach of the Nautsa'mawt FC Academy. She has helped build culturally grounded high-performance pathways for Indigenous soccer players while mentoring athletes and coaches. Marchand also led Team Ontario to its first boys' soccer medal at the 2023 North American Indigenous Games and continues to compete at the League 1 level herself.

"Coaches play such an important role in shaping not only athletes, but the culture around sport," said Guenette. "Dale and Victoria have shown what thoughtful, community-centred leadership can look like - creating opportunities, mentoring others and helping Indigenous athletes see a place for themselves at every level of sport."

2026 Tom Longboat Award Regional Recipients

Alberta Bennett Love - Golf Amber-Jane Wall - Boxing	Nunavut Andrew Kavik - Badminton Lana Lindell - Hockey
British Columbia Austin Krahn - Golf Trinity Ellis - Luge	Ontario Bernie Hogan - Running / Snowshoe Running Frances Vollett - Basketball
Manitoba Benjamin Roulette - Hockey	Prince Edward Island George Woods - Multi-sport Kate Coade - Hockey
Newfoundland and Labrador Alexander Ballard - Volleyball Danielle Keeping - Multi-sport	Québec Mercedes "Gogo" Côté - Hockey/Multi-sport
Northwest Territories Bryon Kotokak - Arctic Sports Solenn Kikoak - Figure Skating	Saskatchewan Kaden Johns - Hockey Abby Wasutyk - Volleyball
Nova Scotia Jax Ginnish - Hockey Zalia Benjamin - Volleyball	Yukon Tuja Dreyer - Swimming Mya Wilson - Archery

"These awards hold a special place in Indigenous sport because they carry history with them," added Guenette. "They recognize what has been accomplished, but they also reflect the responsibility and influence that comes with being part of that legacy. It's an honour to recognize this year's recipients and the example they are setting for those who will follow."

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 [at] aboriginalsportcircle [dot] ca

 

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