Three Indigenous teams make history on Season 11 of The Amazing Race Canada, bringing powerful representation, culture, and connection to national TV.
Historic Season Highlights Indigenous Excellence
Season 11 of The Amazing Race Canada marks a milestone for Indigenous representation, with three First Nations teams competing—the highest in the show’s history. The new season premiered this week on CTV, drawing attention for its diverse cast and celebration of Indigenous cultures across the country.
Alberta Couple Brings Culture and Motivation
Among the standout competitors are Blair and Skylene Gladue, a married Cree couple from Alberta. Blair, widely recognized as Superfan Magoo at Edmonton Oilers games, is a motivational speaker and member of the anti-bullying Magoo Crew. Skylene is a Cree and Dane-zaa fashion designer from Beaver First Nation and founder of Nipîy Iskwew Designs, a program that mentors Indigenous youth through fashion.
The couple says their strongest takeaway wasn’t the competition—but the camaraderie. “We lifted each other up,” Blair shared. “We love each other, respect each other, and we’re family.”
The Rebeccas Race with a Message for Youth
Also racing are Vancouver-based best friends Rebecca Merasty and Rebecca Watt, known on the show as “The Rebeccas.” Merasty is Cree from Flying Dust First Nation in Saskatchewan, and Watt is Dehcho Dene from Pehdzeh Ki First Nation in the Northwest Territories.
Both women hope their journey sends a strong message to Indigenous youth. “This could be an opportunity for us to be represented in mainstream media,” Merasty said. “If you can dream it, you can do it.”
Surprise Connection Fuels Emotional Lift
An emotional moment for the Rebeccas came when they unexpectedly met fellow contestant and friend Grace Dove on the starting line. Dove, an acclaimed Secwépemc actor from Canim Lake, B.C., is racing with her brother Joe Syme. Known for roles in The Revenant and Bones of Crows, Dove said she’s excited to compete and reconnect with her brother through the race.
Prizes, Challenges, and Representation
The winning team this season will take home two Chevrolet Blazers, a trip around the world, and $250,000. Beyond prizes, the season is making headlines for how it spotlights Indigenous communities and narratives—something past contestants like Ashley Callingbull and James Makokis also pushed forward.
A Broader Shift in Canadian Media
The prominence of Indigenous teams on The Amazing Race Canada aligns with a broader cultural shift toward representation in Canadian media. From fashion to film, Indigenous voices are being elevated, celebrated, and seen—on both the runway and the racecourse.
As the competition unfolds, fans are tuning in not just to see who wins—but to witness a powerful expression of identity, resilience, and pride across Turtle Island.
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