Celebrating the 2026 Nordiq Canada Award Recipients

Cross-country skiing in Canada moves forward because of the people who show up year after year. They coach athletes, organize races, build programs, and lead events from the ground up.

Each year, the Nordiq Canada Awards Committee recognizes individuals whose contributions have shaped the sport at the club, provincial, and national levels. This year’s recipients represent decades of combined service across the country, from British Columbia to Nova Scotia.

Congratulations to the 2026 award recipients.

Dave Rees Award: Jake Weaver

Jake Weaver is a transformative leader whose more than two decades of volunteer service have profoundly shaped cross-country skiing in Canada.

Through his exceptional contributions as a coach, official, and mentor, he has built one of the nation’s leading club programs while helping to develop athletes, coaches, and competition structures at the provincial, national, and international levels.

His leadership of major events, including national championships and world-class competitions, combined with his commitment to athlete development and community building, has left an enduring legacy across the sport.

Widely respected for his integrity, generosity, and unwavering dedication, Jake Weaver is a truly deserving recipient of the Dave Rees Award.

Firth Award: Morna Fraser

For more than two decades, Morna Fraser has dedicated her time, energy and outstanding organizational skills to the Canadian ski community.

Renowned for her quiet diligence and positive attitude, Morna has taken on a variety of key roles to help grow the sport: from the grass roots at her club to helping British Columbia host international races.

As Volunteer Coordinator at Whistler Olympic Park, Morna has recruited, trained and managed large volunteer teams for major events such as the 2025 Invictus Games and the 2023 FIS Jr World/U23 ski competition. She is also a longstanding NCCP Learning Facilitator for Cross Country BC and a valued board member for her club.

Morna’s dedication, professionalism, and collaborative spirit have helped build capacity, elevate standards, and create positive experiences for athletes and volunteers alike, making her a deserving recipient of this year’s Firth Award.

Distinguished Volunteer: Frank Ackerman

Frank Ackermann is a passionate and dedicated volunteer whose contributions have been instrumental in the growth and success of cross-country skiing in Kimberley and beyond.

Over two decades, he has played a central role as a coach, program builder, official, and leader, helping to develop athletes from early grassroots programming through to national and international competition.

His tireless commitment–evident in his work developing club programs, supporting high-performance athletes, and leading major competitions–has strengthened both club and provincial capacity.

Frank’s generosity, humility, and enduring passion for the sport have made a lasting impact on athletes, volunteers, and the broader ski community.

Distinguished Volunteer: Marcus Boyle

Marcus Boyle is a dynamic, tireless and visionary volunteer-leader whose contributions have significantly elevated cross-country skiing at Sovereign Lake Nordic Club and beyond.

As head of the Competitions Committee at Sovereign Lake Nordic Club and a driving force behind the Sovereign2SilverStar Ski Marathon, he has strengthened the club’s capacity to host major regional, national, and international events, while fostering a culture of excellence and collaboration among volunteers.

His hands-on leadership, technical expertise, and relentless commitment have enhanced athlete experiences, generated vital support for club programs, and expanded community impact through initiatives such as charitable partnerships and volunteer development.

Marcus’s energy, innovation, and dedication have left a lasting mark on the sport.

Distinguished Volunteer: Melanie McDermid

Melanie McDermid is recognized as one of the hardest working volunteers in Nova Scotia whose dedication to cross country skiing has benefitted the provincial sport organization, clubs and skiers across the province.

As the organizational backbone of Scotia XC and a key leader at the provincial level, her contributions in administration, program development and strategic planning have helped grow and stabilize the sport at both the grassroots and community levels.

She was instrumental in the development and rollout of the Ambassador program that has introduced newcomers, students and community groups to cross country skiing and continues to serve as a knowledgeable and reliable resource, and provides ongoing guidance and support to coaches, groomers and fellow Board members.

Distinguished Volunteer: Chris Teron

Chris Teron is a dedicated and impactful volunteer whose leadership has played a critical role in the sustainability and growth of cross-country skiing in Canada.

As President of the Canadian Ski Marathon and a long-time hands-on contributor, he has helped guide the organization through significant challenges, strengthening its structure, volunteer base, and overall participant experience.

His ability to combine strategic leadership with active, on-the-ground involvement has ensured the continued success of one of Canada’s most iconic ski events.

Recognized by his peers as someone who can deliver concrete results, Chris embodies the core values of cross-country skiing: commitment, resilience, community spirit and passion for the sport.

Nordiq Canada thanks this year’s award recipients, and the many people across the country whose work keeps the sport moving forward. Congratulations to Jake Weaver, Morna Fraser, Frank Ackerman, Marcus Boyle, Melanie McDermid, and Chris Teron!