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Honouring Outstanding Achievements of Indigenous Manitobans in Sport
Nominations are now closed for the 2025 Manitoba Indigenous Sports Awards, recognizing achievements in 2024. Check back soon for a list of all the award winners for 2025.
This spring, we will celebrate the Manitoba Indigenous Sports Hall of Fame Inductees and Major Award recipients at our Night of Excellence, honouring the outstanding achievements of Indigenous Manitobans in sport. This special event will highlight the top athletes, coaches, and volunteers who have excelled in their roles throughout the past year.
The nominees represent Indigenous excellence in many areas-from athletes earning national recognition to volunteers dedicating their time, to coaches shaping the next generation of Indigenous talent. For the Manitoba Aboriginal Sports & Recreation Council, celebrating Indigenous sport is a top priority. Events like this are essential to our mission of recognizing the athletes, coaches, and volunteers who are transforming the world of sport in our province and beyond.
2024 MASRC Sports Awards Recipients
2024 Recipients
Cody Gunderson, Baseball
Indigenous Athlete of the Year
Cody Gunderson, honoured as Indigenous Athlete of the Year, is a proud member of the Red River Métis Nation. His standout performance with the Carillon Junior Sultans, leading in batting average and doubles in the Manitoba Junior Baseball League, culminated in a gold medal win with the Elmwood Giants at Junior Nationals. Cody's talents extended to an undefeated run and a gold medal with Team Manitoba at the 2023 North American Indigenous Games. Recognized as Rookie, Top Defender, and Batting Champion of the Year, Cody now sets his sights on a promising NCAA career with the Division 1 University of North Carolina Charlotte Niners.
Zoe Batkis, Cheer
Indigenous Athlete of the Year
Zoe Batkis, named Indigenous Athlete of the Year, hails from the Red River Métis Nation. Her recent triumphs include clinching the Cheer Provincials title and representing at the World Championships. Notably, she contributed to the inaugural Cheer Manitoba provincial team and earned recognition for sportsmanship and a positive attitude. Beyond cheer, Zoe actively engages with her community, volunteering with organizations like the Niverville Remembrance Day Committee and Bear Clan, all while excelling academically as she nears graduation from grade 12 this spring.
Jessica Chow, Soccer
Indigenous Coach of the Year
Jessica Chow, honoured as Indigenous Coach of the Year, is a dedicated member of the Red River Métis Nation. She actively coaches in various soccer programs, including the University of Regina Cougars soccer development programs and the Bonivital Soccer Club. Jessica's commitment to First Nations youth is evident in her involvement with the Treaty 4 Junior Cougars Program and as an Aboriginal Apprentice Coach at the 2023 North American Indigenous Games. Balancing coaching with her studies at the University of Regina, Jessica exemplifies dedication and leadership.
Jessica Chow, Soccer
Indigenous Coach of the Year
Jessica Chow, honoured as Indigenous Coach of the Year, is a dedicated member of the Red River Métis Nation. She actively coaches in various soccer programs, including the University of Regina Cougars soccer development programs and the Bonivital Soccer Club. Jessica's commitment to First Nations youth is evident in her involvement with the Treaty 4 Junior Cougars Program and as an Aboriginal Apprentice Coach at the 2023 North American Indigenous Games. Balancing coaching with her studies at the University of Regina, Jessica exemplifies dedication and leadership.
Benjamin Oman, Multi-Sport
Indigenous Volunteer of the Year
Benjamin Oman, recognized as Indigenous Volunteer of the Year, proudly represents the York Factory Cree Nation. He contributes significantly to sports and community activities in Churchill, organizing hockey, baseball, and volleyball events for local youth. When Benjamin is not busy coaching or playing sports, he can be found at the local arena, ensuring everything is running smoothly and efficiently in his spare time.
Christina Keeper, Multi-Sport
Indigenous Volunteer of the Year
Christina Keeper, honoured as Indigenous Volunteer of the Year, is a proud member of the Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation. Her longstanding commitment to Team Manitoba's female NAHC team as a coach, athletic therapist, and trainer underscores her dedication. Christina's recent involvement at the 2023 North American Indigenous Games as a soccer team trainer highlights her ongoing support for youth in Indigenous communities, particularly in the realm of physical therapy.
Contact Us
321 - 145 Pacific Avenue
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada,R3B 2Z6
x 204-925-5737 A info@masrc.com
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We acknowledge that the Manitoba Aboriginal Sports & Recreation Council Inc. (MASRC) operates on the ancestral lands covered by Treaty 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 10, as well as the lands of the unsigned Dakota Nations. These territories are home to the Anishinaabeg, Anishininewuk, Dakota Oyate, Denesuline, and Nehethowuk Nations, the Inuit in the north, and the National Homeland of the Red River Métis.
As an Indigenous organization, the MASRC is committed to advancing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada's Calls to Action #87 - 91, which highlight the role of sports and recreation as tools for empowerment and reconciliation with Indigenous communities.
