Luke Enns Named as Regional Recipient of the Tom Longboat Award for Manitoba

November 25, 2024

Photo provided by Luke Enns.

The Manitoba Aboriginal Sports & Recreation Council (MASRC) is proud to announce that Luke Enns has been selected as the regional recipient of the 2024 Tom Longboat Award for Manitoba. This prestigious award recognizes Indigenous athletes who exemplify excellence in sport, leadership, and community involvement. Luke's dedication to his sport, his community, and his Métis heritage makes him a truly deserving recipient of this honour.

Luke has been a standout in the world of competitive canoeing and kayaking, achieving remarkable success both nationally and internationally. As a member of the Canadian National Team, he represented Canada at the 2024 Sprint Canoe Junior World Championships in Plovdiv, Bulgaria, where he earned a 6th place finish in the Men's Kayak 4's event. Luke's impressive resume includes a gold medal in Men's Kayak Singles at the 2022 Sprint Canoe Nationals, multiple medals at the 2023 North American Indigenous Games, and representation at the 2023 Olympic Hopefuls Regatta in Poznan, Poland. He has also earned gold at the International Bratislava Regatta and podium finishes at the Italian Trials, among other international successes.

Photo provided by Luke Enns.

In addition to his athletic achievements, Luke is recognized for his leadership and mentorship. A humble yet determined individual, Luke is always willing to support and guide younger athletes, fostering a positive, inclusive environment within his team. His teammates and coaches describe him as hardworking, approachable, and a natural leader who leads by example. Luke's dedication to his community extends beyond the sport itself. He has taught paddling to youth at Métis school groups, summer camps, and individual lessons, helping to preserve and promote his Indigeneity while fostering connections to the land and water.

Luke's commitment to a holistic lifestyle further highlights the values of the Tom Longboat Award. While excelling in sport, Luke balances his academic pursuits, as he is currently pursuing an engineering degree at the University of Manitoba. He is also deeply connected to his community, participating in local events like the Opaskwayak Indigenous Days canoe race and learning new skills through experiences such as youth trapping at Turtle Mountain.

Photo provided by Luke Enns.

This award recognizes not only his achievements in sport but also his commitment to his community, culture, and leadership. His hard work, perseverance, and positive influence on others make him a true role model for Indigenous youth and athletes across Manitoba and beyond.

We congratulate Luke on this well-deserved recognition and wish him continued success in all his future endeavors!

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