The Tom Longboat Awards were established in 1951 to recognize Aboriginal athletes "for their outstanding contributions to sport in Canada" [1] and continues "to honour Indigenous athletes across Canada"[2] annually. As a program of the Aboriginal Sport Circle, the awards provide a forum for acknowledging top male and female athletes both at the regional and national levels.
The Aboriginal Sport Circle offers each provincial and territorial Aboriginal sport body (P/T/TASB) the opportunity to select one male and one female Aboriginal athlete within their region. The regional recipients will be considered as nominees for the national award that is presented to the top male and female athletes at the annual induction ceremony hosted by Canada's Sports Hall of Fame.
Each of the regional Tom Longboat Award recipients receives a Tom Longboat Award medallion. The two national Tom Longboat Award winners receive Tom Longboat Award rings, and have their names added to the Tom Longboat Award Trophy, which is displayed in Canada's Sports Hall of Fame.[3]
"Of all the athletes in Canadian sport history, only a select few have a major award named in their honour."[4] The Tom Longboat Awards are named in honour of Tom Longboat, a member of the Onondaga Nation from Six Nations of the Grand River who in the early 1900s made a name for himself as a long-distance runner, competing in races across North America and Europe.[5] "In 1999, Maclean's magazine named him Canada's greatest sports legend of the 20th century. Befitting a hero, the Tom Longboat Award has been given since 1951 to the best aboriginal male and female amateur athletes in the country".[6]
The Tom Longboat Awards were established in 1951 as a joint effort of the Department of Indian Affairs and the Amateur Athletic Union of Canada (AAUC). Between 1951 and 1972, Indian Affairs and the AAUC shared responsibility for the awards. Indian Affairs managed the awards at the local and regional levels, while the AAUC directed activities nationally.[7] Responsibility of the awards shifted to the National Indian Brotherhood / Assembly of First Nations and Canadian Amateur Sports Federation (1973-1998) and since 1998, the Awards have been administered by the Aboriginal Sport Circle, the organization representing Aboriginal sport and recreation development in Canada.[8]
The Tom Longboat Award recognizes Aboriginal athletes who have attained significant personal achievements in sport. "In addition to their athletic achievements, recipients will have demonstrated a personal commitment to the principles of sportsmanship and fair play, while reflecting a holistic lifestyle as an Aboriginal Athlete".
The Tom Longboat Award honours the accomplishments of athletes within a given program year (September 1 to August 31). Applicants must meet the following criteria to be eligible as nominees:
The following is a list of Tom Longboat Award winners Nationally and Regionally [9]
| Year | National Award Winner(s) | Location | Regional Award Winner(s) | Location | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021[10] | Kerri Einarson Conner Roulette | Manitoba | |||
| 2019 | Cameron Gayleard | ManitobaBritish Columbia | |||
| 2018 | Jocelyne LarocqueMichael Linklater | ManitobaSaskatchewan | |||
| 2017 | James Lavallée | ManitobaAlberta | |||
| 2016 | (partial list): Linden McCorrister Aiyana Hart[11] | MB MB | |||
| 2015 | (partial list): Malachi Leclerc Sierra Halldorson | MB MB | |||
| 2014 | (partial list): Justin Krantz (Co-Winner) Zach Whitecloud (Co-Winner) Robyn Boulanger | MB MB MB | |||
| 2013 | (partial list): Braedan Boschman Christie Lavallee | MB MB | |||
| 2012 | (partial list): Logan Thacker Skylar Boulanger | MB MB | |||
| 2011 | (partial list): Kiinnan Stevenson-French Julie Desrochers | MB MB | |||
| 2010 | (partial list): Theoren (TJ) Constant Alyssa Bertholet | MB MB | |||
| 2009[12] | Ammon Crowfoot | Alberta Manitoba | William Forsey Jillian Forsey Wade Googoo Holly Ann Denny Wasontiio Stacey Johnna Montour Keon Doblej Lindsay Doxtator Josh Ahmo Todd Fiddler Ammon Crowfoot Jessie Lilly Brittany Schroeder Danielle Marcotte | NL NL NS NS EDN EDN ON ON MB MB SK AB AB BC BC YK | |
| 2008[14] | Matthew KleinAlyssa Johnson | British ColumbiaManitoba | Scott Cameron Alyssa Johnson Nikashantess Penashue Sabrina Muise[15] William Cameron Electra Charles Matthew Klein Sandy Ward Eric Slipperjack Nancy Indian[16] Joshua Kelly Danielle Marcotte Mark Anthony Gloade Sarah Gloade Gabriel Rabbitskin | MB MB NL NL SK SK BC BC ON ON YK YK NS NS EDN | |
| 2007 | Cody Jamieson | Ontario British Columbia | (partial list): Cody Jamieson Joey Sutherland Gazheek Morrisseau-Sinclair Danielle Marcotte Sammy Kent Joshua Kelly Jason Bessey Alora Dawn Blanchard | ON BC MB MB YK YK YK NL NL | |
| 2006[18] | Sidney Smith | Ontario Manitoba | Matthew Klein Chelsie Mitchell Ian Manyfingers Raven Shade Scott Mills Shay-Anne Daniels Emory Wells Sidney Smith Josh Sacobie Jonathon Rice Tammy Cote Ashton Bernard Ashley Julian Atshapi Andrew Marie Penashue Chris Vance Jessica Trotter Michael Putulik | BC BC AB AB SK SK MB MB ON NB EDN EDN NS NS NL NL YK YK NU | |
| 2005 | Dallas Soonias Marisha Roman[20] | Alberta Ontario | (partial list): Dallas Soonias Shelley Hruska Marisha Roman Justin Sinclair-Paul Lori Letandre Shane & Roy Byrne (co-winners) Charmane Naytowhow Alwyn Piche[21] | AB ON MB MB YK NL SK SK | |
| 2004 | Richard PeterLara Mussell[22] | British ColumbiaBritish Columbia | (partial list):
Michele King Nathan O'Nabigon[23] Garnet Desjarlais Jocelyn Boutillier Jeremy Harper | BC BC ON ON MB MB YK YK | |
| 2003 | Delby Powless Deanna Sullivan[24] | Ontario Alberta | (partial list): Sheldon Lainchbury Deanna Sullivan Jared Fletcher Tawny Dillabough Kelcy Armstrong Jaron Tuton | BC BC ON AB MB MB YK YK | |
| 2002 | Jordin Tootoo[25] Sara-Lynn Knockwood | NunavutNova Scotia | (partial list):Barry Beniot-Conne River
Wallace Ahmo Jr Donna Mathieson | NL ON MB MB | |
| 2001 | Tara Hedican[26] Shawn Bobb | Ontario British Columbia | Shawn BobbDenise Wilson Tara Hedican Matt Simonson Kayla Narvie Jason Louttit Holly Anderson Paul McDonald Robin Beaulieu Jason Baxter Fallon Head Craig Gagnon Johnathon Rice Tony Eetuk | BCBC ON ON NB NB MB NFLD NFLD NWT NWT SK YK EDN NU | |
| 2000 | Richard Peter Gina Olsen | British Columbia British Columbia | Richard PeterGina Olsen Tia Perley Nicholas Sark Jessica Jacobs Douglas Johnson Katrina Pitawanakwat Albert Doxtator Barry Benoit Jocelyn Davis Charleton Weaselhead Kateri Francis Roderick Gould Jr. Karine Carlish Charly Washipabano Lauren Melnyk Jason Breland June Pangon | BCBC NB NB YK YK ON ON NFLD AB AB PEI PEI EDN EDN MB MB NU NU | |
| 1999 | Darren Zack[27] | Ontario Eastern Door & North | Darren ZackJulie Hill
Jonathon Kane Treva Thomas Krystal Mason Jeff Peter Rachel Mathiasen Pipon Moose Jacqueline Lavallee Dana Laframboise Jocelyn Rose Davis Clint Lapatack Seymour Doucette Edward Gohn Jr. | ONON EDN EDN NB YK YK ? MB SK SK AB AB NS BC | |
| 1998 | Dan Calhoon | ||||
| 1997 | Bruce Paizen | ||||
| 1996 | |||||
| 1995 | Clifford Grieves Francis X. DeBassiaee | Manitoba | |||
| 1994 | Ryan Bates Alanaise O. Ferguson | Manitoba Agassiz | |||
| 1993 | |||||
| 1992 | |||||
| 1991 | |||||
| 1990 | |||||
| 1989 | Johnny D. Brisebois | Kahnawake | |||
| 1988 | Mona Jones (First year for "Heroes of our Time" award) | ||||
| 1987 | Tyendenaga Mohawk Territory | Robert Levi Eleonore Sioui William R. Plain Terry Wayne Bone Willis Vernon Parnell | Big Cove New Brunswick Village des Hurons, Wendake Waterloo Winnipeg Prince Rupert | ||
| 1986 | Suspended (Only 1 Candidate) | Suspended (Only 1 Candidate) | Suspended (Only 1 Candidate) | Suspended (Only 1 Candidate) | |
| 1985 | Tom Erasmus | Whitefish Lake Band | Sherri Paul-Bartlett Doris Henhawk | Woodstock New Brunswick Six Nations | |
| 1984 | Alwyn Morris | Kahnawkake | |||
| 1983 | Suspended (No Funding) | Suspended (No Funding) | Suspended (No Funding) | Suspended (No Funding) | |
| 1982 | Tyler Sunday | St. Regis | Everett Sanipass Robert Leslie Rice Rochelle Wells Joe Mason | Big Cove New Brunswick Parry Island Band Cardstone Dawson City | |
| 1981 | Gordon Lee Crowchild | Sarcee Reserve | Simon Marshall Roger Paul Vicky Rice Terry Albert | Sydney Nova Scotia Fredericton New Brunswick Kahnawake Muncey | |
| 1980 | Beverly Beaver | Six Nations | |||
| 1979 | Steve Collins | Fort William Reserve | Reginald Llyod Ginnish | Eel Ground | |
| 1978 | Carole Polchies | ||||
| 1977 | Alwyn Morris | Kahnawake (Chaghnawaga) | |||
| 1976 | Beverly Stranger | Timiskaming Band Tsawout Band | Malcolm Constant | James Smith Reserve | |
| 1975 | John C. Courchene | Fort Alexander Reserve | Mary Marlene Ward Roger Vincent John Kelly Malcolm Constant Jacob Wilton Littlechild | Red Bank New Brunswick Quebec Ontario James Smith Reserve | |
| 1974 | Jacob Wilton Littlechild | Edmonton | Wayne Morris Robert Atwin Chief Tony Cote Vern Baker Joe Mason | Cape Breton Island Nova Scotia Fredericton New Brunswick Chaghnawaga Kamasack Vancouver Yukon Territory | |
| 1973 | Raymond Rousselot | Bersimis | Cecil Jacobs Kenneth Eastman Narcisse Blood Jr. Felix Moses | Southern Ontario Pipestone Alberta British Columbia | |
| 1972 | Howard Sinclair Anderson | Sioux Lookout | Miss Collette Cimon Miss Sally Jacob Dwayne Johnson Arnold Wesley Lawrence Crate Clane Anthony Sparvier | Edmunston New Brunswick Nemiscan Samson's Band Southern Ontario Manitoba Alberta | |
| 1971 | Doug Skead | Northern Ontario | Leonard Francis Michael Paul Kenneth Kane Harold Wayne Brant Robert Hart James Thomas McKenzie | Picton Landing Nova Scotia Chaghnawaga Southern Ontario Manitoba Saskatchewan | |
| 1970 | Kenneth Joseph Montour | Alberta | Clarence Abraham Smith Lewis Andrew Deslisle Miss Nellie Trapper William (Bill) Seward, Sr. Harry Clearsky Bruce Dennis Wolfe | Eskasoni Nova Scotia Chaghnawaga Moose Factory Band Nanaimo Band Manitoba Saskatchewan | |
| 1969 | Bert Mistaken Chief | Blood-Peigan District | Roland Sappier Ronald Kirby Walter Isbister Stanley Joseph Dwight Smith Miss Rosalind Merrick Derald Dubios | Tobique New Brunswick Chaghnawaga Sandy Lake Squamish Quebec Manitoba Saskatchewan | |
| 1968 | Phyllis Bomberry | Southern Ontario | Alfred Sanipass Edward Wolf Child Jr. Arthur Herman Helin Tobil Dick James Daniel Bellegarde | Big Cove New Brunswick Blackfoot Band Port Simpson Manitoba Saskatchewan | |
| 1967 | Jacob Wilton Littlechild | Hobbema-Ermineskin Band | Arthur Quoquochi Miss Leona Sparrow Antoine Mountain James Smith Beverly Beaver Edward Arnold McKenzie | Pointe Bleue Indian Agency Vancouver Fort Smith Manitoba Southern Ontario Saskatchewan | |
| 1966 | Renson Jamieson | Southern Ontario | Cynthia Paul (now Gabriel) Charles Patton Omer Goodstriker Stephen Belleau Headley Colon Allan Asapace | Woodstock New Brunswick Caughnawaga Cardston Alkali Lake Manitoba Saskatchewan | |
| 1965 | George [Merman] Brown | Queen Charlotte Indian Agency | Jacob Wilton Littlechild Zaccheus Hamilton Allan Richard Lickers | Hobbema Indian Agency Manitoba Southern Ontario | |
| 1964 | Gaylord Ross Powless | Southern Ontario | Oscar Kistabish Nick Breaker Vivian Underwood Grenville Crate Marcel Greyeyes | Abitibi Agency Blood Agency Cowichan Agency Manitoba Saskatchewan | |
| 1963 | John Lewis | Ontario | Harold PaulGeorge Norton Melville Baxter Stephen Wadsworth John Douglas White Robert Beaulieu Doctor Garson | Shubenacadie Nova Scotia Caughnawaga Nakina Agency Blood Agency Cowichan Agency Fort Smith Agency Manitoba | |
| 1962 | Tom Watts | Port Alberni | Winston James Paul Arthur Quoquochi Samual William Chum Edwin Wells Anderson Pete Hubert Kematch | St. John River Agency Abitibi Agency James Bay Agency Blood Agency Saskatchewan Manitoba | |
| 1961 | Bruce Bruyere | Northern Ontario | Clarence Smith Philippe Bazil Hommer Healy Myrna Williams Franklin White Colin Williams Allan Joseph Felix | Annapolis Valley Pointe Bleue Blood Band Skidegate Southern Ontario Manitoba Saskatchewan | |
| 1960 | Arthur Obey | Saskatchewan | Charles Sark Thadee Andre Leonard Good Eagle Donald Edwards John Lee Stonefish Walter Noel | Lennox Island Nova Scotia Seven Islands Blackfoot Agency Lytton Agency Southern Ontario Manitoba | |
| 1959 | Walter G. Noel | Manitoba | Alexander Denny Aurelien Gill Donna Laura Pine Roddy Vincent Tait Dennis Shipman | Eskasoni Nova Scotia Pointe Bleue Garden River Skeena River (Southern Ontario | |
| 1958 | Randolph Youngman | Blackfoot Agency | Michael V. Francis Laureat Rock Charles Patrick Faries Teddy Joe Betty Lorraine Jewel Ernest J. Scott Vernon Bellegarde | Shubenacadie Bersimis James Bay Vancouver Southern Ontario Manitoba Saskatchewan | |
| 1957 | George Poitras | Saskatchewan | Reginald PaulMartin Beardy Glenn Maracle Stanley Wilson Victor Starlight | Kingsclear Sioux Lookout Southern Ontario Manitoba Alberta | |
| 1956 | Edward Vernon Campbell | Musqueam Band Vancouver | Russell Brooks Mathieu Labbe Roy Vernon Mainville George Gary Edgar Louis Harper Vernon Bear | Shubenacadie Quebec Northern Ontario Southern Ontario Manitoba Saskatchewan | |
| 1955 | Paul Goulais | Northern Ontario | Walter Paul Betty Goulais Eddie Soup Lister Isbister George Nepinak | New BrunswickNorthern Ontario Alberta & Northwest Territories Saskatchewan Manitoba | |
| 1954 | Charles Ross Smallface | Alberta & Northwest Territories | Barry DelisleEdward Kabatay Charles William (Bill) Kinoshameg Gerald Starr Philip Morin | QuebecNova Scotia Northern Ontario Saskatchewan Manitoba | |
| 1953 | Edward Kabatay | Sydney Indian Reserve NS | Marven Morris Frank Wesley Charles Ross Smallface Henry Morriseau Thomas Davey | Caughnawaga Lac Seul Alberta & Northwest Territories Saskatchewan Manitoba Southern Ontario | |
| 1952 | John Sark | Lennox Island NS | Joseph Two-Rivers Francis Debassige Leslie Andrew Charles Ross Smallface Peter Sackamoose George Colin Wasacase | Caughnawaga Northern Ontario Six Nations British Columbia & NWT Alberta Saskatchewan Manitoba | |
| 1951 | Frederick Baker | British Columbia & NWT | Wilfred J. Prosper Ronnie Delisle Henry Wibokamigad Charles Ross Smallface | Nova Scotia New Brunswick Northern Ontario Six Nations Alberta Saskatchewan |