Since his days as a student-athlete at The University of Winnipeg, Josh Gandier (BBA 22) 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 into supporting Indigenous and sports communities.
At a young age, Josh dreamed of becoming an electrician. But when basketball opened unexpected doors and gave him the opportunity to play for the Wesmen, he reconsidered. Through the sport, Josh developed a strong relationship with Coach Mike Raimbault, whom he credits as a key mentor.
“Coach Raimbault made my experience as a student-athlete really great,” Josh said. “He always pushed me to kind of be in a leadership position with the team.”
Beyond the court, Raimbault encouraged Josh to keep an open mind with his academics and explore business studies. This guidance led Josh to focus on accounting, where he gained practical experience working for the Canada Revenue Agency and the Office of the Auditor General Manitoba. After graduation, Josh worked with the Manitoba Aboriginal Sport and Recreation Council. This experience, combined with his coaching experience with Anishinaabe Pride Basketball, fostered his engagement with Indigenous and sports communities and culture.
Josh’s mother is from Peguis First Nation. While Josh was born and raised in Winnipeg, his time at UWinnipeg allowed him to deepen his understanding of Indigenous identity, legal issues, and languages, while building meaningful relationships.
UWinnipeg really creates space for Indigenous students to build community and learn from Indigenous professors and mentors.
Josh Gandier
“UWinnipeg has a high Indigenous population that makes it very special,” said Josh, who minored in Indigenous Studies. “UWinnipeg really creates space for Indigenous students to build community and learn from Indigenous professors and mentors.”
Josh has already established his voice in local and international conversations. In 2023, he was appointed Youth Chief of the Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO), which represents 32 First Nations across Manitoba. Josh has represented Indigenous youth on a global stage, including at the United Nations in Geneva and at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.
Locally, Josh is a dedicated volunteer and advocate, contributing to organizations such as Zaagi’idiwin Sport Performance—a youth sport development program that blends athletic training with Indigenous knowledge—and the Manitoba Aboriginal Sport and Recreation Council. He also sits on the Board of Directors for the YMCA-YWCA of Winnipeg.
Josh’s time at UWinnipeg has been immortalized by a mural adorning the east-facing wall of the Duckworth Centre. The mural features Josh and Robin Boulanger, a fellow Wesmen alumna and close friend.
“Wesmen Athletics is the first in the country to recognize First Nations athletes and the contributions we made to the program, in that way,” said Josh of the mural. “It makes me proud of my time and commitment at UWinnipeg. I think it shows other young Indigenous athletes that it is possible to play university-level sports and that UWinnipeg is a place for Indigenous students.”
With his passion to support community and empower nations, Josh is now working towards his Juris Doctor degree at the University of Manitoba.
Josh said it was the relationship and network he built at UWinnipeg that has enabled him to continue his post-secondary education in law. “It’s a lot of pressure,” laughed Josh as he considered his Distinguished Alumni Award nomination in the One to Watch category. Kidding aside, Josh said the recognition reminds him of all the support and love he has in his corner. It’s reinforcing his conviction to keep going on the path he’s on.
“I am so grateful to the Wesmen Athletics community and those that supported my nomination,” Josh said. “It shows the kind of people they are—they continue to support their athletes long after graduation.”
The University of Winnipeg is proud to honour Josh Gandier with the One to Watch Distinguished Alumni Award at the Inaugural Distinguished Alumni Award Night on Thursday, October 23 at the Winnipeg Art Gallery-Qaumajuq. Everyone is welcome to join the celebration. Tickets are available now on the Distinguished Alumni Awards website.
