Sport New Brunswick & Aboriginal Sport and Recreation New Brunswick Announce Selection of Coach for the 2027 Aboriginal Apprentice Coach Program at the 2027 Canada Winter Games

Mitch Isaac (Archery) has been selected to be part of the Aboriginal Apprentice Coach Program for the 2027 Canada Winter Games, taking place in Québec City from February 27 to March 14, 2027. Coach Isaac, a member of the Restigouche Archery Club will join Archery NB’s coaching staff for the 2027 Games, gaining valuable experience that will support his long-term development and career advancement in sport.

Manon Ouellette, Director of Leadership, Coaching and Culture with Sport NB quotes:
“Supporting coaching development means more than providing opportunities, it means walking alongside coaches as they grow. Mentorship truly changes the trajectory of a coach’s journey. In community sport, confidence and culture are often shaped one conversation at a time, and when coaches are intentionally supported, connected, and given real pathways to lead, the entire sport system becomes stronger. Together, we’re creating a more inclusive, resilient, and representative sport system for future generations.”

About the Aboriginal Apprentice Coach Program (AACP)

The AACP is a national initiative designed to support the growth and advancement of Indigenous coaches across Canada. Key elements of the program include:

  • Providing Indigenous coaches with mentorship, training, and experience at major multi-sport events such as the Canada Games,
  • Increasing the number of Indigenous coaches within the Canadian sport system and strengthening capacity in communities,
  • Offering professional development opportunities, including Competition-Development training,
  • Integrating apprentice coaches into a team’s coaching staff for practical, hands-on experience,
  • Supporting coaches through team preparation and competition,
  • Pairing each apprentice coach with a dedicated mentor,
  • Providing funding to help advance coaching certification.

Sport New Brunswick is thrilled to work in collaboration with Aboriginal Sport and Recreation New Brunswick to support Coach Isaac in this important step in his coaching journey. His mentor coach for the 2027 Canada Winter Games will be Tracy Baisley of Miramichi (Archery), a seasoned leader who has participated in previous Canada Games and remains deeply involved in provincial sport.