Josh Gandier – Distinguished Alumni Award recipient 2025

Credit: UWinnipeg

One to Watch – Josh Gandier (BBA 22)

A proud member of the Peguis First Nation, Josh Gandier has quickly emerged as a well-respected and dynamic community leader. A former Wesmen Men’s Basketball standout (2016-2022), Josh channels his passion for giving back to supporting Indigenous and sports communities.

He is a dedicated volunteer and advocate, contributing to organizations such as Zaagi-idiwin Sport Performance—a youth sport-development program that sees to combine training with Indigenous knowledge—and the Manitoba Aboriginal Sport and Recreation council.

In 2023, Josh was appointed Youth Chief of the Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO), representing 32 First Nations across Manitoba. He has represented Indigenous youth on a global stage including at the United Nations in Geneva and the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.

Josh is currently pursuing his Juris Doctor at the University of Manitoba.

Whether it’s through grassroots engagement, or international advocacy, Josh continues to inspire future generations and remains a powerful voice for Indigenous communities.