The ASC is pleased to open nominations for the 2025 National Indigenous Coaching Awards and Tom Longboat Awards

June 2, 2025

Ottawa, ON - The Aboriginal Sport Circle is pleased to open nominations for the 2025 National Indigenous Coaching Awards and Tom Longboat Awards.

The National Indigenous Coaching Awards (NICA) were developed to recognize the outstanding commitment and contributions of Indigenous coaches to sport in Canada. A program of the Aboriginal Sport Circle, these awards acknowledge the tremendous impact of selected Indigenous coaches on sport development in Canada-from community participation to elite level competition.

The Tom Longboat Awards (TLA) were established in 1951 to recognize Indigenous athletes who have made outstanding contributions to sport in Canada. These prestigious awards have a rich, longstanding tradition, which the ASC is honoured to continue in opening this year's nominations.

Aboriginal Sport Circle President Rob Newman is continually impressed with the ever-growing numbers of dedicated Indigenous athletes and coaches who excel in their sport. "I've been involved in promoting sport and volunteerism my whole career," he says, "and Indigeous participation is constantly growing-from the grassroots level to elite competition. This year, we're excited to see nominations from a roster of exceptional coaches and athletes."

"It's a privilege to oversee adjudication of the coaching and athletic awards again this year," says Vanessa McGregor, Executive Director of the Aboriginal Sport Circle. "It's a rigorous process-but ultimately gratifying for both the selection committee and award recipients. We'll be honouring them at the 2025 National Indigenous Sport Summit awards gala celebrating Indigenous sport in October in Ottawa."

Wrestler and 2024 Tom Longboat Award recipient Justina Di Stasio confirms the importance of these awards to spreading news of Indigenous success in the world of sport: "Receiving the Tom Longboat Award last year was a great honour for myself and my family," she says. "The award ceremony was a great event to be a part of as well-being in a room with so many like-minded individuals who are putting their all into athletic Indigenous success was very inspiring."

Volleyball coach Amy Wilson recalls winning the NICA award in November 2024. It "was a deeply personal moment for me. It was a celebration of my hard work, my dedication, the tears of joy and frustration, and the vulnerability it takes to grow and lead." She also saw her award as being for those who supported her, and the athletes she coached. "This award stands as a testament not just to my leadership and dedication, but to the strength and resilience of all Indigenous peoples who continue to rise, lead, and inspire-both on and off the field, court, rink, and in and out of the pool."

 

Nomination Information:

Nominees must complete a nomination form and submit it to the Aboriginal Sport Circle on or before the application deadline of July 11, 2025.

Please use the following links to view this year's Nomination Packages:

NICA Nomination Package 2025

TLA Nomination Package 2025

Submit your nomination by visiting:

National Indigenous Coaching Award 2025

Tom Longboat Award 2025

 

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