National Coaching Awards for Indigenous Excellence in Sport
Principles
The Aboriginal Sport Circle is committed to developing sport that fosters the development of the whole individual. In addition to their coach achievements, recipients will have demonstrated a personal commitment to the principles of sportsmanship and fair play, as well as to being a positive role model. They will also have demonstrated a commitment towards living a holistic lifestyle - one that develops their physical, mental, cultural and spiritual capacities.
Awards
The two national recipients will receive the following:
- All expenses paid round trip with a guest to attend the Awards Gala.
- A custom-made National Indigenous Coaching Award.
- A $1500 bursary to support coaching professional development.
Eligibility
The Awards honour the accomplishments of a coach within a given program year (May 31st, 2024, to May 31st, 2025). Nominees must meet the following criteria to be eligible as nominees:
- Nominees must be Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit, Métis).
- Nominees must be actively involved in their sport within the year of nomination (May 31st, 2024, to May 31st, 2025).
- Nominees must demonstrate sportsmanship, fair play and ethics in sport.
- Nominees must complete a nomination package and submit it to the Aboriginal Sport Circle on or before July 11, 2025.
Nominations
Nomination information to include the following:
- Nominee's name, age, gender, address, telephone number, sport(s) nominated for, and number of years coaching.
- Level of competition(s) achieved as a coach (i.e. community, regional, provincial, national, or international).
- 4-5 high resolution photos of the nominee coaching their athletes.
Nominations must also include supporting narrative documenting how the nominee displays the following qualities:
- Shows a personal commitment to their coach development
- Identify training or professional development that nominee has maintained and cite improvements from this training or professional development.
- Demonstrates a positive image as it relates to their role as an Indigenous coach
- Provide examples or testimonials of how the nominee's conduct reflects the principles of fair play and sportsmanship as it specifically relates to the sport, officials, and the opposition.
- Provide three written testimonials from program leaders, parents, athletes and/or Indigenous community as to the nominee's positive image.
- Demonstrates a commitment to a holistic lifestyle by maintaining a balanced physical, mental, cultural, and spiritual outlook
- Provide up to three testimonials from program leaders, parents, athletes and community.
- Personal achievements
- List any coach awards or levels of achievement that the nominee has received. Proof of achievements is requested (i.e., highest level of competition coached at top ranking and results, most valuable coach (MVC) and other accomplishments).
Submit your nomination by visiting:
2025 National Indigenous Coaching Award Nomination Form
Please use the following links to view this year's Nomination Package: NICA 2025 Nomination Package
