A Prince George-raised teen has received a prestigious award for her contributions to life and sport while honouring her Indigenous upbringing.
Nancy Moore was unveiled this morning (April 26) as one of six northern B.C. regional recipients of the Premier’s Awards for Indigenous Youth Excellence in Sport, and is one of the finalists for the provincial honour later this year.
The recognition is presented by the Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity and Recreation Council, also known as I-SPARC.
For Moore, she’s been touted for her dedication to hockey in growing the game and her selflessness in being a mentor for the next generation.
“I’m proud to honour the Haida Nation as a young competitive athlete,” the 16-year-old said in her acceptance speech, who was one of three selected out of the northeast corner of B.C.
“I brought my way to Prince George and being here is one of the best decisions of my life, not only did I grow a lot as a player, but I also grew a lot as a person. A great time last year was playing in the BC Winter Classic in Fort St. James in the Ernie Sam Memorial Arena. [...] I’d like to thank all the recipients and hope we all have a great future.”
The award is in conjunction between I-SPARC and the province, and Indigenous athletes under the age of 25 submitted their nomination in demonstrating their love of sport, while also committing themselves to education and culture.
Moore has been known in the Prince George hockey community as an uplifting and inspirational teammate, who loves to fire up her squad to bring out the best in them.
In an earlier interview with PrinceGeorgeMatters, she explained the hype-woman position is very important to her as it attributes to a positive life off the ice.
“That’s always kind of been my spot as a player,” Moore said, also noting it’s very important to stay positive in the uncertain times of COVID-19.
“I feel like if we go into a game negative, it’s not going to turn up well. You have to keep the positivity up there, otherwise it falls apart.”
Originally born in Terrace, Moore has represented the Haida Nation-Massett Village heritage on the ice twice with Team B.C. at the National Aboriginal Hockey Championships, both in 2018 and 2019.
Another key moment in her young career thus far was getting the chance to play in Canada’s first-ever outdoor game at the under-18 female AAA level, known as the BC Winter Classic.
She and the Northern Capitals faced off with the Greater Vancouver Comets pre-pandemic on Jan. 19, 2020, at Ernie Sam Memorial Arena on the Nak’azdli Whut’en territory.
In two years with the Caps, including one as an affiliate, the forward has combined for 10 points in 31 games, including five goals and five assists.
According to her highlight video, Moore has future goals of becoming a veterinarian in her post-secondary education, wherever life and sport may take her after she graduates from Prince George Secondary in 2022.
B.C. Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport Melanie Mark announced and introduced the 2020 winners in a pre-recorded virtual ceremony.
The other five northern recipients are as follows (in order of age):
- Rhon Peal, 19 years old / Wrestling, Nisga'a, Kitwanga
- Grace Currie = 18 years old / Softball, North Central Métis, Quesnel
- Jacob Heit = 17 years old / Soccer and Skiing, Kispiox, Terrace
- Taylor Parr = 16 years old / Softball, Métis Nation BC, Quesnel
- Tatum Jack = 14 years old / Hockey, Basketball and Volleyball, Gitxsan, Gitanmaax
