Aboriginal Sport, Recreation & Physical Activity Partners Council – VICTORIA – Artists and athletes joined Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development Peter Fassbender and Parliamentary Secretary for Youth Sport Gordon Hogg this morning for an unveiling of the design for the Premier’s Awards for Aboriginal Youth Excellence in Sport. 

These awards will be handed out on March 21, 2016, at a national Aboriginal youth conference, Gathering Our Voices, in Victoria.

The inaugural awards will recognize Aboriginal athletes who have excelled in performance sport, displayed strong leadership qualities, are committed to higher education and who serve as community role models both on and off the field of play. 

Kwagiulth Artist Carey Newman of Blue Raven Gallery in Sooke designed the award titled Equilibrium with figures of the eagle, salmon, raven and frog. These figures represent the diverse qualities and skillset of an award recipient. The final element of the design, a golden circle represents, light, wisdom and the future.

The Province has collaborated with the Aboriginal Sport Recreation and Physical Activity Partners Council to establish these awards. Together they celebrate the outstanding achievements of Aboriginal youth athletes from British Columbia. 

Nominations are now completed with more than 75 names submitted for the 12 awards. These awards will be presented to 12 Aboriginal youth six young women and six young men from communities throughout the province.  

Quotes:
Peter Fassbender, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development – “There are so many exceptional athletes from an Aboriginal background playing sport at high levels across British Columbia. These awards will profile the deserving young men and women who show success both on the field of play and in their community.”

Gordon Hogg, Parliamentary Secretary for Youth Sport – “The creation of these awards provides Aboriginal youth with provincial recognition of athletic accomplishments and achievements. Recipients will collect their awards at the Gathering Our Voices conference, and be recognized in front of their peers and British Columbians everywhere will be able to join in the celebration of their success.” 

Paul Lacerte, Executive Director, BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres – “We are thrilled to be working in partnership with the Province to present these awards. They reflect our shared commitment to honour the outstanding achievements of young aspiring Aboriginal athletes who have embraced healthy, active and holistic lifestyles that exemplify excellence in sport.”

Carey Newman, Aboriginal artist – “It is an honour to create a design that will acknowledge Indigenous youth sport excellence for generations to come. Named ‘Equilibrium’ the design embodies the diverse qualities and skillset of each award recipient. Represented in the circle are four animals Eagle, Salmon, Raven and Frog. A golden circle or ring weaves the figures together representing light, wisdom and the future; the ever changing goals that we strive for both on the field and in life.” 

Richard Peter, Chair of Selection Committee and Paralympic gold medalist – “I am honoured to serve as the Chair of the Awards Selection Committee in this inaugural year. It is vital that we identify and acknowledge Aboriginal youth excellence in Sport. This year ͛s nominees all showcase exceptional athletic talent and leadership; may they inspire healthy and holistic choices amongst their peers and future generations.” 

Watch a short video of the unveiling https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQf2_hsrz2I&feature=youtu.be

Learn More:
To learn more about the Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development, visit:
https://news.gov.bc.ca/ministries/community-sport-and-cultural-development
To learn more about the Partner͛s Council, visit: http://aboriginalsportbc.ca/grants-andopportunities/premiers-awards-for-aboriginal-youth-excellence-in-sport/
To see the award design, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/equilibrium_sportsaward.pdf
To learn more about Gathering Our Voices, visit: https://gatheringourvoices.bcaafc.com/