Opening Doors
CANADA GAMES
Four First Nations athletes carry more than a 
jersey for Team Saskatchewan
WHEN TEAM SASKATCHEWAN’S U20 
men’s softball team took the field, four 
First Nations athletes carried more 
than gloves and bats – they carried 
pride, responsibility and possibility. 
Kian Poitras of Muscowpetung First 
Nation, Gunner Sparvier of Cowessess 
First Nation, Sage Roberts of Lac 
La Ronge Indian Band and Tegan 
Nahnepowisk of Piapot First Nation 
have earned their places in elite 
competition through commitment, 
discipline and belief in themselves. 
Their journey is about more than sport; 
it is about belonging in spaces where 
First Nations athletes have historically 
been underrepresented.
Each of these young men brought a 
specific skill set that strengthened 
Team Saskatchewan. Whether through 
leadership, speed, power, consistency 
or mental toughness, they didn’t simply 
hope for opportunity – they worked for 
it. At a high-performance level where 
standards are demanding and competi-
tion is relentless, they showed they 
could contribute and compete. Their 
selection reflects not only individual 
talent, but the collective strength they 
bring as teammates who understand 
perseverance and accountability.
In August 2025, Team Saskatchewan 
attended the Canada Games in St. 
John’s, Nfld., gaining invaluable experi-
ence on a national stage. Competing 
against the top U20 talent from across 
the country, the team finished fourth 
overall, falling just a few runs short of 
earning a medal. While the podium 
remained just out of reach, the experi-
ence was defining. The lessons learned, 
the friendships built and the pride 
of representing Saskatchewan at the 
Canada Games created memories that 
will never be forgotten.
Beyond national competition, 
the development of these athletes 
continued closer to home. Playing 
together in the Saskatoon men’s softball 
league provided another important 
platform for growth. Competing 
against seasoned and experienced 
players pushed them to elevate their 
game, sharpen their skills and gain 
confidence in elite, adult-level competi-
tion. That league play helped reinforce 
chemistry, resilience and consistency 
36  OUR PRIORITY  Issue 1  2025/26

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