The Tom Longboat Awards

Honouring the Tom Longboat Legacy

Tom Longboat was one of the most celebrated and accomplished athletes in Canadian history. A member of the Onondaga Nation who resided in Six Nations of the Grand River, Tom Longboat was one of the most gifted long distance runners of his time. In just his third competitive race, he set the world record for the marathon, smashing the previous mark by over five and half minutes. In the years prior to the First World War, Tom Longboat won most of the major distance races in North America and Europe, including the Boston Marathon and the Powderhall Marathon in Edinburgh, Scotland. At a time when indoor marathon running attracted sell-out crowds, he was the world's professional champion. At one point or another, he held every Canadian record from one mile to the marathon.

Throughout his life, Tom Longboat spoke proudly of his First Nations heritage and held his head high in times of great adversity. He was the headline attraction wherever he raced, drawing huge crowds and a widespread following. In 1999, Maclean's Magazine voted him the #1 Canadian sports figure of the twentieth century.

Established in 1951, the Tom Longboat Award serves as a proud national symbol for all Aboriginal peoples in Canada.

- Contributed by Dr. Bruce Kidd, Olympian & Tom Longboat Historian

1. An all-expenses paid trip to receive the award;
2. A commemorative Tom Longboat Award medallion;
3. A custom-made Tom Longboat Award ring;
4. A cash bursary of $500; and
5. Their name will be engraved on the Tom Longboat Trophy on display at Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame.

Nominations are invited from all levels of sport. To be eligible, athletes must meet the following criteria:

• Must be of Aboriginal descent.
• Must have amateur status in the sport which they are nominated.
• Must be for athletic achievements within the calendar year.
• Must submit a completed nomination form by mail or fax before the deadline to  Aboriginal Sport Circle.
• Current deadline is January 29, 2010 @ 9 pm EST.

1. Complete a Nomination Form (English / French)  (provide detailed information on the nominee and nominator, if applicable)
2. Complete a supporting narrative (see brochure for details)
3. Send the Nomination Form and Narrative to the Aboriginal Sport Circle, unit #7-34 McCumber Rd. North Akwesasne, ON K6H 5R7 

 For more information, please contact Laura Morris @ 613 938-1176