Upper Nicola coach honoured with Indspire Award
Bernard “Buzz” Manuel. (Image Credit: Indispire Awards Committee)
May 16, 2026 | 10:17 AM
Elora McCormack
Upper Nicola Band member Bernard “Buzz” Manuel was honored with an Indspire Award for his work as a Syilx leader, athlete, coach, and community builder.
The Indspire award recognizes Indigenous Canadians who have done outstanding work in their community and abroad.
“The Indspire Awards represent the highest honour the Indigenous community bestows upon its own people,” said the Indspire Awards Committee.
“For over 30 years, the Indspire Awards have honored over 400 First Nations, Inuit, and Métis individuals who demonstrate outstanding achievement across Turtle Island and beyond. Their stories are shared in a nationally broadcast celebration that showcases the diversity of Indigenous peoples in Canada.”
The Awards Committee said Manuel has shown a lifelong commitment to sport, wellness, and Indigenous ways of being which has left a positive impact on people across local, national, and international arenas.
Manuel, from Spaxmn, has extended his influence worldwide by weaving Syilx sqilxʷcawt (Syilx Ways of Being) into sport, coaching, and leadership.
“Lacrosse has a deep connection to all First Nation people across Turtle Island… for me to teach lacrosse, it brings out an enormous sense of pride. A feel of accomplishment, a feel of contributing to my community back home and to communities wherever I go.”
The Award Committee said Manuel has over three decades of experience, having worked with the Upper Nicola Band, the Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity and Recreation Council (ISPARC), and the Citxw Nlaka’pamux Assembly.
“He has coached athletes at every level: local, provincial, national, and international, including Team BC Athletics and Lacrosse, the BC Summer Games, and the World Lacrosse Super Sixes. A lifelong competitor since 1995, he continues to earn medals across Canada while modelling perseverance, humility, and balance,” said the Indspire Committee.
“Buzz is a certified NCCP coach in athletics, lacrosse, and archery and has served on numerous boards, including the BC Games Society and PacificSport Interior. He is the founder and lead coach of the Fueling Youth Performance program, a culturally safe high-performance training initiative for Indigenous youth that prepares athletes physically, mentally, and spiritually for competition.”
The Committee said Manuel brings Syilx principals into all of his work.
“Guided by the Syilx Four Food Chiefs teachings—humility, creativity, courage, and reflection—Buzz is also a mentor, knowledge carrier, and Keeper of the Lodge, supporting men’s wellness, youth leadership, and community healing,” said the Indspire Committee.
“Through sport, ceremony, and relationship-building, Buzz creates pathways for Indigenous youth to thrive, belong, and believe in their full potential.”
Manuel was honored with the award in the ‘Sports’ category at a ceremony in Halifax on Thursday (May 14).
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