In collaboration with the Province of British Columbia, the Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity & Recreation Council (I·SPARC) has opened nominations for the 2025 Premier’s Awards for Indigenous Youth Excellence in Sport.
The awards honour Indigenous youth athletes who have excelled in high-performance sport and are recognized for leadership on and off the field of play.
Previous local winners of the award include Crofton's Wyatt Blace (Squamish Nation; hockey), and Braden Blace (Squamish Nation; hockey), Shawnigan Lake School's Alexandra Nelson (Snuneymuxw First Nation; hockey and lacrosse), and Ellashani George (/ Kwikwasut’inuxw, Ławitʼsis and Oneida; war canoe, soccer).
Nominations are open to Indigenous youth (First Nations, Métis or Inuit) in B.C. who are 24 years of age or younger (born in 2001 or later), are permanent residents of B.C., and are enrolled in school or planning to pursue post-secondary education. Eligible nominees must: compete in high-performance sport, demonstrate strong leadership qualities, commit to pursuing higher education, serve as role models in their community, and participate in cultural activities or show a desire to learn about their Indigenous ancestry.
The Premier’s Awards are conducted at both the regional and provincial levels. As many as 36 athletes will be recognized at the regional level, with up to six selected from each of I·SPARC’s six regions: Northeast, Northwest, Interior, Fraser, Vancouver Coastal and Vancouver Island. Those recipients automatically become nominees for the Provincial Awards, with up to 10 athletes recognized.
Winners will be celebrated at a virtual ceremony in spring 2026, receive a cash bursary, and have their profiles displayed at the B.C. Sports Hall of Fame.
The deadline to submit nominations is Friday, Oct. 31, 2025.
