Two athletes with ties to the Cowichan Valley have been named provincial recipients of the 2023 Premier’s Awards for Indigenous Youth Excellence in Sport.
Earlier in the year, hockey players Alexandra Nelson and Ben Brant were among the 36 awardees of the Premier’s Award for Indigenous Youth Excellence in Sport for the Vancouver Island Region. Duncan's Ava Ocean Jack (soccer, basketball, war canoe; Quw’utsun), and Crofton's Carter Blace (lacrosse; Squamish Nation) also earned the regional award.
Last week Nelson and Brant were two of 10 provincial winners recognized.
Nelson, 17, is a member of the Snuneymuxw First Nation and graduated from Shawnigan Lake School in 2024, where she played goal on the school's U18 women's team. In May of this year, Nelson and her U18 female Team BC teammates earned a bronze medal at the National Aboriginal Hockey Championships in Grand Prairie, Alta.
"I am honoured to be part of this exceptional group of warriors," Nelson said in her acceptance speech video. She thanked her coaches over the years for helping her to succeed.
"I would also like to thank Snuneymuxw, Kw'umut Lelum, and my family, who have supported me over the years."
Nelson intends to put her hockey career behind her and focus on becoming a doctor.
"As I embark this new chapter, I am hanging up the pads and attending UBC in the fall. I would like to thank all my competitors and teammates who will always have my respect and friendship."
Brant, 20, belongs to the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte but he spent many of his formative years in the Cowichan Valley before leaving again to pursue his hockey goals. He played with the Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League's Victoria Cougars this past season and is now an assistant coach with the Pacific Coast Hockey Academy.
"I am very honoured to receive this award," Brant said in his acceptance speech video. "Receiving this award is truly meaningful and I cannot express how deeply honoured I am and proud of my Mohawk ancestry. I am very thankful for this recognition and I am committed to continuing my journey of learning about my ancestry and honouring my ancestors through my commitment to the sport."
Brant also thanked his family and the hockey community for their support.
“The Premier’s Awards recognizes excellence in Indigenous sport and community leadership, which is an important part of advancing reconciliation,” said Lana Popham, minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport. “I’m so proud of this year’s recipients who have shined in their community with incredible commitment to sport and strong dedication to education, culture and community. I congratulate them on this high honour and commend them for being outstanding examples for others, inspiring the next generation of athletes and leaders.”
The provincial winners receive a $500 bursary and a framed limited edition Premier's Award print from First Nations artist Carey Newman. They'll also have their photo and biography on display at the BC Sports Hall of Fame.
In collaboration with the Province of British Columbia, I·SPARC (the Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity & Recreation Council) launched the regional nomination process for the Premier’s Awards in late 2023 and nominations were open to Indigenous athletes under the age of 25 who have competed in performance sport, demonstrated a commitment to their education and culture, and have promoted healthy and active lifestyles.
“I am excited to acknowledge and celebrate the achievements of the 10 recipients of the 2023 Premier’s Awards for Indigenous Youth Excellence in Sport. We are excited for the opportunities and potential that this award presents to all the athletes,” said Corinne McKay, president of I·SPARC board of directors. “We are optimistic that the recipients will go on to bigger and more positive opportunities in their futures!”
The nomination period for the 2024 Premier’s Awards for Indigenous Youth Excellence in Sport begins Monday, Sept. 16 and runs through October.
