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  Share2025 All-Nations Indigenous Volleyball Showcase2025-08-18
 Alberta hosted the 2025 All Nations Volleyball Showcase in Edmonton on July 25-28 and Nova Scotia athletes and coaches were able to participate in this amazing opportunity.
Alberta hosted the 2025 All Nations Volleyball Showcase in Edmonton on July 25-28 and Nova Scotia athletes and coaches were able to participate in this amazing opportunity.
The inaugural All-Nations Indigenous Volleyball Showcase was held in July 2024 at York University in Toronto. This event brought together four “All-Nations” Canada teams, formed through collaboration with provinces, and two teams from New Zealand AMP (Aotearoa Māori Poirewa) Volleyball, facilitating both competition and cultural exchange. A core component of the tournament is fostering cultural connection and mutual understanding, helping to strengthen bonds between Indigenous communities in Canada and New Zealand.
Nova Scotia was represented by the following coaches and athletes:
Coaches:
Shayla Gloade – Coach with Cougars VC, mentee in the Black and Indigenous Mentorship Program and the Women and Gender Equity in Coaching program, and recently approved as a VIP coach. She also organized the Mi’kma'ki Indigenous Girls Volleyball Camp in Millbrook, supported by SMU Huskies, the Genevieve Francis Memorial Fund, Millbrook First Nation, and VNS.
Shaniya Vance – Mentor in both She Can Coach and the Black & Indigenous programs, coach with Volleyball Cape Breton.
Maddison Hann – Recent graduate of the Team NS EDIA Apprenticeship program, athlete with SMU Huskies, now transitioning into coaching.
Ariah Gould – Mentee in She Can Coach and the Black and Indigenous Mentorship Program, coach with Volleyball Cape Breton
Athletes:
Jabari Benjamin
Jadyn Hanson
Sophie Grund
Athlete Reflection – Jadyn Hanson
"This was such an incredible experience that I was able to be apart of. I met so many amazing and talented athletes, who all share the same passion for the sport. Not only was this a volleyball tournament, but it was also a cultural exchange, and represented unity, as we played against Māori players from New Zealand.
Being able to share our First Nation culture, and experience their culture by witnessing all the athletes perform a Haka, was so deeply moving. This, along with winning Gold in the tournament and also making so many new friends is something im so endlessly grateful for and will be forever in my memory."
Coach Reflection - Shayla Gloade:
"Coaching at the All-Nations tournament in Edmonton was an experience I’ll never forget. Beyond the strong and powerful competition, what stood out most was the deep cultural connection between Indigenous Canadians and the Māori people. Our shared thoughts, stories, and values created a sense of unity that rose above the game itself. After every point and every match, respect was exchanged—not just as athletes, but as people rooted in culture. We all left with more family than we came with, and I definitely shed more tears than I expected. It was truly an unforgettable and emotional experience."
Coach Reflection - Shaniya Vance:
"Coaching one of the Māori Women’s Volleyball team was truly an amazing experience. The entire group was extremely kind and welcoming to a coach they’ve never met, but the team demonstrated a strong work ethic, displayed grit while working through challenges and obtained the first AMP wins on the female side. The competition and cultural exchange was amazing and the relationships developed between the All Nations + AMP teams will be remembered for a lifetime.
The Māori group represented their culture incredibly well and with great pride; they shared their traditions and values throughout the entire week, which left a lasting impression with everyone involved in the event. Being involved in their cultural activities (ex. learning the Haka, morning prayer in the Māori language and singing songs each morning and evening) throughout the week was both emotional and unforgettable. The entire AMP group welcomed me with open arms, and I left Edmonton with 60+ new Maroi family members. "
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