A dozen young Indigenous athletes, including three from northern B.C., have been honoured for their achievements.
The 2017 Premier’s Awards for Aboriginal Youth Excellence in Sport were presented in Richmond Tuesday.
Advanced education minister Melanie Mark handed out awards to swimmer Amy Levelton Leighton of the Metlakatla First Nation, rugby player Corben Bowen of the Haisla Nation, and short track speed skater Alison Desmarais of the Métis Nation B.C. from Vanderhoof.
The annual awards honour Indigenous athletes, under 25 years old, who have achieved excellence in performance sport, are regarded for their leadership qualities, are committed to a higher education, and are recognized as community role models both on and off the field.
The awards, created by Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity & Recreation Council (I·SPARC) and the provincial government, were presented during opening ceremonies of the Gathering Our Voices Youth Conference.
The complete list of award winners:
- Kaitlyn Lafontaine: basketball, Métis Nation B.C.
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William Brewer: snowboarding, basketball, track & field, lacrosse, Okanagan Indian Band
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Sophie Scobie: lacrosse, track & field, Métis Nation B.C.
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Mark Anthony Roberts: rifle shooting, Wei Wai Kum First Nation
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Alison Desmarais: short track speed skating, Métis Nation B.C.
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Graham Stewart: rowing, Métis Nation of Greater Victoria
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Amy Levelton Leighton: swimming, Metlakatla First Nation
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Daniel Everton: volleyball, Métis Nation B.C.
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Kylie Jack: golf, Penticton Indian Band
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Zach Spicer: sailing, Mikisew Cree First Nation
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Hunter Lang: softball, Ts’kw’aylaxw First Nation
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Corben Bowen: rugby, Haisla Nation