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MERRITT CHAMBER STARE AT POSSIBLE CLOSURE
INCUMBENT MAYOR ANNOUNCES RE-ELECTION BID
THURSDAY, MAY 14, 2026
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TOP INDIGENOUS SPORTS HONOUR FOR UPPER NICOLA’S ‘BUZZ’ MANUEL
Indspire awards are recognition to Indigenous professionals and youth for demonstrating outstanding career achievement Tyler Reis Sanford Contributor
Bernard ‘Buzz’ Manuel of the Upper Nicola Band has been named the 2026 sports laureate by Indspire, one of the highest honours recognizing Indigenous achievement in Canada. Created in 1993 alongside the United Nation’s International Decade of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, the Indspire awards are awarded to Indigenous professionals and youth who demonstrate outstanding career achievement. “When I first found out, I really couldn’t believe it, it was an exciting, overwhelming feeling, just a feeling of pure joy.” said Manuel. “To receive an Indspire award that’s the highest honour to be recognized, and to be named a laureate for the Indspire awards for sport. I’m one of 27 people across Canada who’s received this particular award, it’s a huge honour. Words can’t describe how I feel to be on that list.”
Manuel has had a lifelong commitment to sports and wellness, and has seen his career in sports take him to places he says he would never have imagined. Since 1995 he’s competed across Canada and internationally, and coached at nearly level, including coaching B.C. Lacrosse at the 2025 Canada Summer Games, B.C Athletics and the World Lacrosse Super Sixes. Manuel’s love of coaching isn’t just about getting results on the field, but helping to shape the young athletes off the field as well. He says that sports can provide a mental health outlet, provide a sense of community, help to make new friends and help not just be physically fit and active but to be grounded as well. Despite travelling across Canada and even internationally, Manuel says he never expected to see himself coaching in competitions like the World Lacrosse Super Sixes or the Canada Summer Games. POSITIVE INFLUENCE: continued on page 14
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Tony Luck MLA for Fraser Nicola #112, 1700 Garcia Street Merritt, BC, V1K 1 B8 Call: 236-900-4926 Email: tony.luck.mla@leg.bc.ca Office Hours Mon-Thur 9am-3pm, Fri by appointment Sat-Sun & Stats closed