Coach Inspires Renfrew County Youths for Indigenous Games

Five young athletes from Renfrew County, Ont., who are heading to the North American Indigenous Games (NAIG) next week say their exciting journey wouldn’t have been possible without their enthusiastic and dedicated coach, Gerry Benoit.

Twin brothers John and Mark Baillie from Lake Clear, Ont., will compete in track and field after Benoit motivated them to try out.

“He’s an awesome person,” said Mark Baillie. “Every time I’ve talked to him he always puts a smile on my face and makes everything seem exciting.”

“He makes it like seem like it’s the best thing in the world,” added John Baillie.

Mark Baillie, 15, of Whitewater Region, Ont., credits coach Benoit for his chance to represent Team Ontario at the 2023 North American Indigenous Games. (Giacomo Panico/CBC)

Their mother Julie Baillie describes Benoit as a champion for bringing not only her 15-year-old sons but also three other local youth athletes into the fold who might not have thought about trying out for Team Ontario otherwise.

“Energy just bursts out of him and you get excited before you even really know what you’re signing up for,” she said.

Victoria Bergeron says were it not for Benoit she never would have thought of competing in badminton at NAIG, where she’s also looking forward to celebrating her Ojibway and Cree heritage. (Giacomo Panico/CBC)

NAIG takes place every three years but this will be the first since 2017 due to cancellations caused by COVID. The event runs July 16-23 in Kjipuktuk (Halifax), Dartmouth, Millbrook First Nation and Sipekne’katik, located in Nova Scotia’s traditional Mi’kmaq territory.

Young competitors from over 750 nations will take part in 16 sports including canoe/kayak, archery, lacrosse, basketball and badminton-an event that 17-year-old Victoria Bergeron is eager to join thanks once again to coach Benoit.

“He’s such an incredible coach and I’ve been so lucky to learn under him because he’s a great support,” said Bergeron.

Nolan Costello will be competing as part of Team Ontario’s U19 boys basketball team at NAIG. ‘I owe everything from this to Gerry Benoit,’ says Costello. (Giacomo Panico/CBC)

Benoit himself remains humble despite all the praise coming his way from athletes and their parents alike.

“I’m just a small step in their journey; I’m a connection piece for this,” said Benoit. “It’s not about what you can get; it’s about what you can give back.”

Benoit’s involvement with NAIG goes beyond being an informal recruiter in Renfrew County-he’s also head coach of Team Ontario’s U14 boys basketball team.

“I do it because of my passion for sport; I love planting seeds and watching trees grow, so to speak,” he shared.

Lena Costello credits Benoit with training and encouraging her to try out for Team Ontario’s U16 girls basketball team for the upcoming North American Indigenous Games. (Giacomo Panico/CBC)

Not just sports

Sometime referred to as “The Indigenous Olympics,” NAIG also acts as a cultural celebration where Indigenous food, art, music, dance, and fashion are shared among participants.

Siblings Nolan, 17, and Lena ,14, Costello from Whitewater Region are participating in basketball but say they’re excited about diving into Indigenous culture as well.

“It’s a special moment for me because it’s part of my Métis heritage-part of who I am,” said Nolan Costello. “I get to share that experience with other people along with my sister while celebrating my history.”

Bergeron’s family moved from Little Grand Rapids First Nation in Manitoba to White Water Region-a transition that sometimes posed challenges when it came to honoring her Ojibway and Cree background.

“Living in a community that’s rather small-with less diversity or representation-this means so much; it’s a way to take pride in who you are,” Bergeron stated.

Julie Baillie and her twin sons John and Mark say participating at NAIG helps in their family’s journey to reconnect with the Indigenous culture. (Giacomo Panico/CBC)

For the Baillies-the opportunity to compete at NAIG marks another step toward reclaiming their Indigenous roots. Julie Baillie shares how her grandmother left Batchewana First Nation near Sault Ste. Marie to escape residential schools-and how her mom felt stigmatized because of their ancestry over many years.

However-in recent years-she along with her mother have embraced their family’s heritage more fully. With both John and Mark now enrolled in Indigenous language classes-they’re off soon enough-to compete at NAIG.

“It’s just so unique,” Julie noted.”They’re going to meet Indigenous people from all over the world-it really broadens horizons. It has such spiritual significance too-for them. To witness this transformation is incredible. My grandmother would be smiling down from heaven.”

“I’m happy going there-to represent my grandma-and my mom,” added John Baillie.

Coach pride on full display

When opening ceremonies air live on July 16-it shouldn’t be tough spotting Benoit amidst Team Ontario’s delegation.

The coach plans on waving his community flag representing Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation.

“It’s a proud connection,” explained Benoit.”You know it’ll be okay because there are others sharing your culture-experiencing similar journeys.”

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