about Indigenous Football Canada

IFC President and CEO

Kevin Hart

Introducing Kevin T. Hart: Visionary Leader and Catalyst for Change

Class of 2020 Football Manitoba Hall of Fame – Player Category

It is with great honor and enthusiasm that I introduce Kevin T. Hart, a beacon of inspiration and a true visionary in the realm of Indigenous leadership. As the President and CEO of Indigenous Football Canada, Kevin brings to the forefront an unparalleled blend of passion, resilience, and strategic acumen, making him a driving force for positive change and empowerment within Indigenous communities.

A Legacy of Leadership: Kevin’s journey is not just a testament to his personal achievements, but a reflection of his unwavering commitment to uplifting those around him. Rooted in his proud heritage as a member of the Nisichawaysihk Cree Nation, Kevin’s leadership journey has been shaped by a profound sense of duty and responsibility to his people.

Inspirational Accomplishments: Throughout his illustrious career, Kevin has carved out a path marked by remarkable achievements and transformative impact. From his early days as an accomplished athlete and powwow singer to his pivotal role as Regional Chief for the Assembly of First Nations (AFN), Kevin has consistently demonstrated an extraordinary ability to lead with integrity, compassion, and foresight.

Champion of Change: At the forefront of Kevin’s leadership journey lies his unwavering commitment to effecting positive change within Indigenous communities. His tireless advocacy for the rights and opportunities of Indigenous Peoples, coupled with his groundbreaking initiatives such as the 23 billion dollar lawsuit against the Canadian government, exemplify his fearless dedication to justice and equality.

Visionary Thinking and Strategic Insight: Kevin’s leadership is characterized by visionary thinking and strategic insight, driving innovative solutions to complex challenges. Whether it’s his role as the National Advisor to the $200 million MDSSC Legacy Fund, his engagement on the global stage at forums such as the UN Climate Summit, or his instrumental contributions to drafting C-92 – An Act Respecting First Nations, Métis, and Inuit children, youth, and families, Kevin’s ability to navigate diverse landscapes with grace and determination sets him apart as a true leader of our time.

Athletic Achievements: Kevin’s prowess extends beyond the political arena to the football field, where he excelled as a player with the Winnipeg Hawkeyes Juniors Football Club, earning Junior league championships and All-Star accolades. His contributions to the Winnipeg Sr. Mustangs, culminating in numerous Shrine Bowl national championships, solidified his status as a football icon.

Leadership and Philanthropy: In addition to his athletic and political achievements, Kevin’s board work locally and internationally speaks volumes about his commitment to community service and philanthropy. As a founder of Indigenous YouthBuild Canada and a dedicated board member of organizations such as the Children’s Hospital Foundation and Habitat for Humanity, Kevin has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to empowering Indigenous youth and building stronger, more resilient communities.

Global Engagement: Kevin’s advocacy efforts have extended to the global stage, where he has represented Indigenous Peoples’ interests at international forums such as the UN Climate Summit in Marrakech. His presence and advocacy at such forums highlight his dedication to environmental justice and Indigenous rights on the world stage.

Inspiring Others to Greatness: Beyond his individual accomplishments, Kevin’s greatest strength lies in his ability to inspire and empower those around him. Through his mentorship, guidance, and unwavering belief in the potential of others, Kevin has fostered a culture of excellence and resilience that serves as a beacon of hope for generations to come.

Conclusion: In Kevin T. Hart, we find not just a leader, but a visionary whose indomitable spirit and unwavering commitment to service illuminate the path forward. As President and CEO of Indigenous Football Canada, Kevin stands as a shining example of leadership excellence, inspiring us all to reach greater heights and create a world where every individual has the opportunity to thrive.

General Manager of Team Operations

Gordon Petruic

Gordon Petruic is from the Key First Nation in Treaty 4 territory in Saskatchewan. He joins the U18 Team as the General Manager of Team Operations. Gord comes with a strong background having recently won the Government of Canada’s Circle of Excellence award of teamwork, collaboration and partnership. He has been tasked with putting together the day to day operations of Indigenous Football Canada, and developing the U18 Women’s Indigenous 3 National Team Program. In his journey Gord has been a radio broadcaster, sports reporter, before working with youth in suicide prevention. In 2013 he contracted H1N1 which resulted in a 38 day coma, and a 2 year journey learning to walk again. He brings an ability to build relationships, network, and bring together good people to increase organizational capacity. Perseverance dedicated, and caring are words past employers, employees, and peers use to describe him. He is a current coach with the Gatineau Vikings.

Offensive Coordinator

Richard Pellissier-Lush

Richard Pellissier-Lush is an actor, dancer, author, and athlete. He was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba but has lived in PEI for most of his life. Richard is a graduate from Holland College with a diploma in Sport & Leisure Management, and was Valedictorian of his graduating class. Pellissier-Lush had a standout playing career which included such highlights as playing for his Colonel Gray High School. He went on to play at the University of Manitoba, where he played in The 43rd Vanier Cup on November 23, 2007, at Rogers Centre in Toronto, Ontario. Richard and The Manitoba Bisons completed a perfect season by defeating the Saint Mary’s Huskies by a score of 28-14. After he accomplished the ultimate, he returned home to compete with the Holland College Hurricanes, where he celebrated a couple of Atlantic Football League titles. Pellissier-Lush then gave pro football a shot. Though he did not play a single game in the Canadian Football League (CFL), he did earn spots on the practice rosters of the Montreal Alouettes and Hamilton Tiger-Cats. His pro career included playing a handful of games for an Atlanta-based squad in the Arena Football League. Pellissier-Lush is now a player, general manager and owner of the Island Mariners, a senior men’s tackle football squad that participates in the Maritime Football League. He is joining the team as Offensive Coordinator.

Defensive Coordinator

Dylan Elias

Dylan was born and raised in Halifax, Nova Scotia. In 2007, he attended Mount Allison University, playing for the Varsity Football team. His passion for mentoring was first ignited as a teen assistant Karate Coach and continued into Big Brother and Anti Bullying Campaigns. He began his work eight years ago in Wood Buffalo, Alberta working with at-risk youth of all ages and backgrounds. In 2014, recognizing the need and the power of play, Dylan developed an After School Sports Program for kids from low-income families living in rural communities. These communities otherwise had little to no access to any developed programming; six years later, this program is still active in schools today. With that same spirit and drive, Dylan then went on to co-found the non-profit organization, Northern Elite Football,which is a coaching school that runs programs and camps to maximize the potential of football players in Fort McMurray. Northern Elite Football uses mentorship through sport to access over 500 kids in the region in its first year, and over 3000 to date. Dylan coaches football for three different teams in the region, including the first-ever on reserve Youth Football Team, the Northern Spirits, in which he sits as an active president. Dyan has agreed to be the Defensive Coordinator for the U18 Women’s Indigenous National Team.

Linebacker/Defensive Back Coach

Alicia Gladue

Fort McKay’s Alicia Gladue was a linebacker on the inaugural gold medal team at first U18 Women’s National Championship in 2022 Regina. She played a pivotal role in the tournament for Team Alberta. Gladue started playing football in 2019. She is a member of the Fort McMurray Catholic School Division’s Saints football team. She is also captain of Fort McKay’s Northern Spirit Football after starting out as the team’s social media person. Alicia has graduated from the Tournament age bracket but will return as a Linebacker/Defensive Back Coach for the U18 Indigenous Women’s Team.

Team Manager

Jolene Mercer

Jolene Mercer is an Anishinaabe Ikwe from Peguis First Nation, a mother of four and a Kookum to a beautiful granddaughter. Jolene is the Director of Governance for Treaty One and was instrumental in the negotiations of the Gaawijijigemangit Agreement (Municipal Development and Services Agreement) with the City of Winnipeg and is working with the 7 Treaty One Nations on the Treaty One governance structure and the conversion of Naawi Oodena (former Kapyong Barracks) to reserve land. Jolene attended the University of Manitoba, Red River College and the Indigenous Women in Community Leadership program at the COADY International Institute at St. Francis Xavier University. Jolene is a Certified First Nations Health Manager and has extensive experience working with First Nations communities and organizations in areas of finance, health, youth and strategic planning. With over 20 years of experience working with First Nations communities and organizations in areas of governance, health, youth, social innovation, employment, training, and strategic planning Jolene is a great addition to the team.

Player Supports

Carla Cochrane

Carla Cochrane is Ojibway and Cree from Fisher River Cree Nation with roots in Sagkeeng First Nation. Her main area of focus is on strengthening and empowering Indigenous communities by focusing on Health and Wellness. She has taken on roles as an event coordinator, community coach, workshop facilitator, youth counselor, and public speaker. Carla has dedicated her time to working for the betterment of First Nations people. She is determined to create positive change in their lives by encouraging them to follow their dreams, all the while leading by example. Carla brings a long list of support to our team. She has delivered the Aboriginal Coaching Modules since March 2013 and is currently in process to be a Master Coach Developer with the Coaching Association of Canada. She currently is a Board of Director for First Peoples Wellness Circle a group who works in the area of mental health, life promotion, suicide prevention Carla has her Bachelor of Social Work and facilitates training on Mental Wellness, Stress, Lateral Violence, and Conflict Resolution.

Communications

Renata MeConse

Renata is a proud Anishinaabe Ikwe who lives in Winnipeg and is from Pinaymootang First Nation in Treaty 2 Territory. She has focused her career on communications primarily with the Indigenous community in Manitoba. She has worked with a number of Indigenous organizations in Manitoba, provincial and federal governments and the private sector.

Elder

Shirley Tolley

Shirley is a proud member of the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg (KZ) First Nation. Shirley resides in the Gatineau area – in the heart of Alqonquin unceded & unsurrendered territory where her ancestors hunted, traveled and traded along the majestic Kitchi Sibi river and happily goes back and forth from the city to her community because all her family & friends live there. She will readily admit that she has the best of both worlds (urban and community). She retired from the Public Service in 2013 from the First Nations & Inuit Health Branch of Health Canada and has since worked with several Indigenous non-for-profit organizations in different capacities since then. Shirley was elected in May of 2021 as the Women’s Representative for the Algonquin Anishinabe Nation Tribal Council (AANTC) and was recently elected as the Algonquin Women’s Alternate for the Quebec Native Women in October of 2022. Shirley is also a Federal Indian Day school survivor and is well versed in cultural and traditional protocols. She considers herself a very active activist and was involved in many battles when she was in the Public Service to improve Indigenous representation in the workforce. Today she continues to work tirelessly to engage and advance the social and economic conditions of all women of the Algonquin Nation. Shirley’s greatest success is being called Mom by her 3 adult children, and Kokomis to her 5 grand-children. She spends most of her leisure time with them running to hockey arenas, ski hills or in the local gyms.