ABOUT US

Todd Carwell is a coach, former University of Alberta football player, and the founder of the Indigenous Cup. He is a recognized leader in Indigenous sport development and a strong advocate for grassroots flag football as a critical entry point for Indigenous youth. Todd believes flag football creates accessible pathways to elite competition, leadership development, education, and long-term opportunity for Indigenous athletes across Canada.

A Status Indian and proud member of Beaver First Nation, Treaty 8 Territory, Todd brings both lived experience and professional expertise to his work. His leadership is grounded in cultural integrity, community partnership, and athlete-centered development. Through his initiatives, he has worked collaboratively with schools, provincial and national sport organizations, and Indigenous communities to build inclusive, sustainable sport pathways.

Todd remains deeply committed to using sport as a tool for empowerment, cultural pride, and positive social outcomes for Indigenous youth and communities.

Samantha Big Swallow is a proud member of the Kainai Nation (Blood Tribe) within the Blackfoot Confederacy, Treaty 7 territory, with ancestral ties to the Bitterroot Salish and Nakóda (Assiniboine) tribes of Montana. 

As a coach and community leader, she is passionate about supporting Indigenous youth through sport, mentorship, and positive role modeling. Samantha’s work with Turtle Island Sports Council reflects her commitment to strengthening Indigenous communities through athletics and cultural connection.

Being a player and a coach for almost 20 years, Kent Ducharme has been fortunate to collaborate with some wonderful people and aims to pay that knowledge and experience forward.  He has a strong belief that giving opportunities and mentorship to young people through sport is key to walking a constructive path in life.  

As a member of the Metis Nation, he aims to affect a niche group of young people in a positive way, sharing and paying forward what other people have coached and shared with him.

Robb is a proud member of the Fort McKay First Nation. Robb’s career is defined by a commitment to elevating Indigenous communities through education, arts, athletics, and economic development. A former professional football player with the Edmonton Eskimos, Robb leveraged the leadership and resilience gained in elite athletics to break the cycle of poverty and establish himself as a powerful role model for urban Indigenous youth. 

As a dedicated change agent, he focuses on bridging socioeconomic gaps and fostering engagement between Indigenous communities and the mainstream. By championing community and economic growth alongside a deep reverence for ancestral history, Robb continues to create spaces where Indigenous culture is recognized, celebrated, and positioned for a prosperous future. 

Daniel McKinnon is a former CFL Coach of 22 years and a Grey Cup Champion. He is a Master Course Conductor for Football Canada. He is also a member of Football Alberta and NFL Flag Football.

Susanne Stroud is a lifelong educator with a 33-year career dedicated to student growth and 21 years of experience in school leadership as a principal. Supported by her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Education, she focuses on creating pathways for success for Indigenous youth. Through her active involvement with the school’s football team, she serves as a mentor to student-athletes, helping them build the character and skills necessary to succeed on and off the field.