Alwyn Morris

Alwyn Morris, CM (born November 22, 1957) is a retired Canadian sprint kayaker. A member of the Mohawk nation in Kahnawake, he is considered one of the most influential Indigenous athletes of all time. He is the first and only Aboriginal Canadian athlete who won a gold medal at the Summer Olympic Games and one of the only three North American aboriginals to do so, alongside Jim Thorpe and Billy Mills.

Sporting career

Early years Morris was inspired to compete in elite level of canoeing while watching Olympic canoeing competition in his early teens. This pursuit received encouragement and guidance from his grandfather.

Morris' first notable canoeing accomplishment was winning the Canadian National Junior Title in 1977 for K-1 1,000 m, as well as K-1 500 m.

The Eagle Feather Salute After winning the gold medal in K-2 1000m race with fellow Canadian Hugh Fisher, Morris raised an eagle feather when he was standing on the podium. It created widespread influence among Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities.

Other Activities After the Oka Crisis in 1990, Morris started his endeavors in politics, specifically concerning issues related to Indigenous self-governance. He has been an active member of Mohawk Council of Kahnawake and a policy advisor on aboriginal rights and land issues.

On December 8, 2009 Morris carried the Olympic torch through Kahnawake, Quebec as part of the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Games torch relay.

Recognition He received the National Aboriginal Achievement Award, now the Indspire Awards, in the sports category and won the Tom Longboat Award in 1977 and 1984 that recognizes Aboriginal athletes outstanding contributions to sport in Canada. Morris was made a member of the Order of Canada on December 23, 1985 as recognition for his canoeing success, as well as his continued work with youths for organizations including Health and Welfare Canada's Native Drug Abuse Programme. He was also inducted in Canada's Sports Hall of Fame in 2000.

His athletic achievements were considered highly influential for Indigenous communities across Canada. Joe Delaronde, a staff member of the Mohawk Council commented: "I could never even fathom, that somebody from this community would be the best in the entire world".