Aboriginal Sport Circle Congratulates Recipients of our 2024 Indigenous Athletic and Coaching Awards

December 23, 2024

As the holiday season approaches, the Aboriginal Sport Circle wishes Indigenous athletes and coaches every success in 2025! And we congratulate the recipients of the Tom Longboat Award and Indigenous Coaching Award, which honoured exceptional men and women at the inaugural National Indigenous Sports Gala held on November 23, 2024.

This year's National Tom Longboat Award winner was Justina Di Stasio. A dedicated wrestler and proud member of Norway House Cree Nation in Manitoba, Justina enjoys 20 years of sports experience. Her recent milestones include winning bronze at the 2023 Pan American Wrestling Championships in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and being named BC Wrestling Senior Athlete of the Year in 2023. Beyond her athletic pursuits, Justina has served as a distinguished role model and mentor to Indigenous youth in British Columbia and Alberta. She is actively involved in the Manitoba Indigenous Summer Games.

Eli McLaughlin, our second National Tom Longboat Award winner for 2024, is a talented lacrosse player hailing from the Heiltsuk Nation in British Columbia. Eli has achieved remarkable success over his 25 years of experience, including winning a bronze medal at the World Field Lacrosse Championships at the Haudenosaunee Nationals. Eli has played for the Colorado Mammoth in the National Lacrosse League since 2015, receiving accolades including all-time leading goal scorer for his team. Through his talent, hard work, and dedication, Eli inspires Indigenous athletes to achieve their dreams.

The National Indigenous Coaching Award recipient for 2024 is Amy Wilson-Hands from Rainy River First Nation in Ontario. Amy is a passionate and inspiring volleyball coach whose success spans from the grassroots level to the international stage. By promoting Indigenous teachings in her coaching, she empowers her Indigenous athletes while enlightening her non-Indigenous ones. In 2023, Amy received the Coaching Award of Excellence from the Coaching Association of Ontario for her exemplary leadership and coaching. As head coach of the Junior Women's National Team, she secured the team a spot at the FIVB 2024 World Championships in Peru-a significant achievement for Team Canada.

Jacob Klengenberg also received National Indigenous Coaching Award for 2024. A dedicated and resilient wrestling coach based in Ulukhaktok, Northwest Territories, Jacob was born and raised in the community, where he coached two athletes to represent Team Northwest Territories at the 2023 Arctic Winter Games. He also served as assistant coach leading a team of seven athletes at the 2024 Arctic Winter Games in Mat-Su, Alaska. Jacob's coaching philosophy centres on creating an environment filled with celebration and encouragement, where he inspires his athletes to try new things, have fun, and appreciate the journey over the outcome. In recognition of his significant contributions, Jacob was honoured with the ASC's Coach of the Year Award for the Northwest Territories in 2023.

"We are truly grateful at the ASC that our awards can recognize such diverse and inspiring role models for Indigenous communities, athletes, and coaches alike," says Rob Newman, President of ASC. "With a first-ever Indigenous Sports Gala to honour them, 2024 marked a remarkable year for Indigenous sports. It provided a crucial opportunity to showcase sport as embedded in Indigenous cultures."

Established in 1951, the Tom Longboat Award recognizes Indigenous athletes for their outstanding contributions to sport in Canada and remains one of the longest standing and most prestigious awards for Indigenous athletes in the country. The National Coaching Award for Indigenous Excellence in Sport recognizes coaches who demonstrate exemplary integrity in their approach to coaching. Coaches must also demonstrate commitment to fostering development of the whole individual.

ASC would also like to congratulate the regional winners of the Tom Longboat Awards, who excelled and inspired in their various sports last year. These athletes have made their communities very proud.

 

BRITISH COLUMBIA

Eli McLaughlin, Lacrosse (national winner)

Justina Di Stasio, Wrestling (national winner)

 

ALBERTA

Liam Gill, Snowboard

Annika Behnke, Figure Skating

 

SASKATCHEWAN

Margo Erlam, Diving

 

MANITOBA

Luke Enns, Sprint Kayaking

Chantal Larocque-Fritzche, Ball Hockey

 

ONTARIO

Kristian Jameison, Long Distance Running

Yeháti Antone, Goalball

 

PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND

Keegan MacDougall, Swimming

QUEBEC

Bocephus Dailleboust, Hockey

 

NEW BRUNSWICK

Desiree Isaac-Pictou, Wheelchair Basketball

 

NOVA SCOTIA

Cohen Pictou, Hockey

Julia Black, Basketball

 

NEWFOUNDLAND & LABRADOR

Ian Dicker, Volleyball

Brooklyn Wolfrey, Badminton

 

NORTHWEST TERRITORIES

James Williams, Arctic Sports

Shakita Jenson, Hockey

 

NUNAVUT

Benjamin Alivaktuk, Volleyball

Iris Sowdluapik, Badminton

 

YUKON

Gavin McKenna, Hockey

 

MEDIA INQUIRIES: ascoffice@aboriginalsportcirlce.ca

 

---

View More