The Amazing Race Canada Season 11 Features Most Indigenous Contestants in Show’s History

Season 11 of The Amazing Race Canada kicked off with a powerful statement: representation matters. This year’s race includes the highest number of Indigenous contestants ever featured, signaling a major shift in visibility and diversity for one of Canada’s most-watched reality shows.

The new season launched Tuesday night from Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton, sending 11 teams racing across the country for a shot at two 2025 Chevrolet Blazer EV SS vehicles, a trip around the world, and a $250,000 cash prize.

‘We Didn’t Grow Up Seeing People That Look Like Us’

Among the standout teams are best friends and roommates Rebecca Merasty and Rebecca Watt, affectionately dubbed “The Rebeccas.” Merasty hails from Flying Dust First Nation in Saskatchewan, while Watt is from the Pehdzeh Kí First Nation in the Northwest Territories.

“We didn’t grow up seeing people that look like us,” said Merasty, who now lives in Vancouver. “Other than Pocahontas, which obviously isn’t the greatest representation.”

For the duo, representation wasn’t just a bonus—it was the reason to race. “Having those little eyes look up at us and be like, ‘Hey, they kind of look like us’—that’s huge,” said Watt. Their journey started serendipitously, as each was contacted separately by casting without producers realizing they were roommates and best friends.

Inspiring Indigenous Youth on National TV

Another inspiring duo is Blair “Superfan Magoo” Gladue and his wife Skylene “Nipîy” Gladue, both proud Edmonton residents. Blair is known for leading Edmonton Oilers fans in chants at Rogers Place and running youth workshops on suicide awareness and anti-bullying. Skylene is currently performing in Bear Grease, a hit theatre show in New York City.

*Michele Peter and Aditi Deonarine in The Amazing Race Canada Season 11 on CTV*

Their team motto? “Fer the youth.” Their goal: to show Indigenous communities that resilience and joy can go hand in hand. “It was a life-changing experience,” said Blair, who admitted the race was far more intense than he expected.

Joining them this season are actress Grace Dove and her brother Joe Syme, racing together for their family and Indigenous heritage. Grace, known for roles in The Revenant and Alaska Daily, brings her storytelling spirit to the competition.

All 11 Teams of The Amazing Race Canada Season 11

Here’s a complete look at the Season 11 cast:

Rebecca Merasty & Rebecca Watt

*Rebecca Merasty and Rebecca Watt The Amazing Race Canada Season 11 on CTV*

From: Sask. & N.W.T. | Now: Vancouver
Occupations: Model & Indigenous Wellness Strategist
Why They’re Racing: To inspire Indigenous youth and represent northern communities.

Blair & Skylene Gladue

From/Now: Edmonton
Occupations: Entertainers and advocates
Why They’re Racing: To inspire others after overcoming addiction and adversity.

Grace Dove & Joe Syme

From: Prince George, B.C.
Occupations: Actress & Diamond Driller
Why They’re Racing: For their family and community.

Jesse Harink & Jonathon Braun

From: Alta. & Ont. | Now: Vancouver
Occupations: HR & Non-Profit Legal Director
Why They’re Racing: To represent the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and honor a late parent.

Osas & Esosa Igbinosun

From/Now: Calgary
Occupations: Musician/Engineer & Arborist
Why They’re Racing: To share their immigration story and honor their late father.

Brendan McDougall & Sam May

From: McDougall, Ont. & Toronto
Occupations: Sales & Event Planner
Why They’re Racing: Both past racers, back as a couple seeking redemption.

EB & Blake Burnett

*EB Burnett and Blake Burnett The Amazing Race Canada Season 11 on CTV*

From: Toronto | Now: Hamilton & Toronto
Occupations: Models
Why They’re Racing: To test their brotherhood and honor their Caribbean heritage.

Ika Wong & Demetres Giannitsos

*Ika Wong and Demetres Giannitsos The Amazing Race Canada Season 11 on CTV*

From/Now: Toronto
Occupations: Content Creator & Realtor
Why They’re Racing: To inspire their kids and show what’s possible.

Michele Peter & Aditi Deonarine

*Michele Peter and Aditi Deonarine The Amazing Race Canada Season 11 on CTV*

From/Now: Toronto
Occupations: Social Workers, Artists, Emcees
Why They’re Racing: To represent South Asian girls and honor family.

Louis Octeau-Piché & Marie Octeau

*Louis Octeau-Piché and Marie Octeau The Amazing Race Canada Season 11 on CTV*

From: Vaudreuil-Dorion, Que.
Occupations: Actor & Real Estate Broker
Why They’re Racing: This mother-son duo wants to inspire single moms and women 50+.

Lacey & Celia Koughan

*Lacey Koughan and Celia Koughan The Amazing Race Canada Season 11 on CTV*

From: Charlottetown, P.E.I.
Occupations: Business Owner & Actor
Why They’re Racing: The first P.E.I. team, racing in memory of their father and to promote mental health awareness.

A Fierce, Diverse, and Heartfelt Season Ahead

According to host Jon Montgomery, this year’s cast is among the most competitive in the show’s history. “Episode 1 you’ll see some dramatic stuff that’s never happened before,” he told Yahoo Canada.

And for the first time, the show brings its cameras to the Arctic Circle, highlighting the vast beauty of Canada’s northernmost regions. Montgomery hopes viewers feel the pride of being Canadian and the strength of diverse voices showcased throughout the race.

Season 11 airs every Tuesday at 9 p.m. ET on CTV, CTV.ca, and the CTV app. Episodes are also available the next day on Crave.

Which team are you cheering for this season—and what does representation on reality TV mean to you?

More…

‘We Didn’t Grow Up Seeing People That Look Like Us’

Inspiring Indigenous Youth on National TV