MohawkWolf ClanTyendinagaHaudenosaunee
War Chief of Elder Vern HarperKnowledge KeeperPeacekeeper
Fire KeeperCeremonial Pipe CarrierKeeper of Sacred Things
9× Champion40+ Years
Dr. Allan Zachariah is a Mohawk warrior born of the Wolf Clan from Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory — a member of the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte First Nation and the Haudenosaunee Confederacy. Raised in Regent Park, Toronto, he carries the full weight of lived experience, intergenerational strength, and the sacred responsibilities bestowed upon him by his people.
He holds some of the most honoured ceremonial titles within Indigenous tradition: Knowledge Keeper & Peacekeeper, Fire Keeper, Ceremonial Pipe Carrier, and Scorpius — Keeper of Secret and Sacred Things. These are not titles given lightly. They are earned through a lifetime of service, sacrifice, ceremony, and unwavering commitment to the people.
Dr. Zachariah received all of his traditional ceremonial honours under the guidance of his teacher, mentor, and Elder — the late Vern "ASIN" Harper, Cree Elder and Holy Man. Elder Harper — whose traditional name Asin means "Stone" or "Grandfather" in Cree — was one of the most respected Indigenous spiritual leaders in Canadian history. Also born and raised in Regent Park, Toronto, Elder Harper was a Heyoka (sacred holy man), medicine man, decorated Korean War veteran, and lifelong champion of Indigenous rights. Known across Turtle Island as the "Urban Elder," he dedicated his entire life to healing, ceremony, and the protection of First Nations people. Dr. Allan Zachariah served as his War Chief — a bond forged in tradition, ceremony, and the sacred responsibilities of their people. Elder Vern "ASIN" Harper passed on May 12, 2018, and his teachings live on through every ceremony Dr. Zachariah carries forward.
As a warrior, Dr. Zachariah has walked every path — professional athlete, pioneer coach, founder, healer, Knowledge Keeper, and ceremonial leader. He made history as the first Mohawk Warrior hired as Head Coach of a professional hockey team in Canada, and was the first Mohawk Warrior recognized as Knowledge Keeper at both Toronto Metropolitan University and McMaster University. He is CEO and Founder of Apex Elite Sports & Consulting, Founder of the Debwe Society, Head Coach of the Brampton Buccaneers (Allan Cup Senior AAA), Strength and Conditioning Coach for the North York Renegades (GMHL), Head Instructor at Bronkos Hi Performance School, and Director of Ceremonial Services at Carrying Place Counselling Services.
In 2024, he received an Honorary Doctorate (Dr. HC) in Sports and Grassroots Medicine from the Universal Institute of Professional Management, recognizing his outstanding achievements and his profound impact on the lives he has touched.
He has trained thousands of youth, men, and women across Turtle Island — not simply making them better athletes, but forging complete human beings: strong in body, disciplined in mind, and grounded in spirit. His methods are not conventional. They are ancient, tested, and undeniable.
"Condition the mind to embrace the pain, dedication and accountability needed to awaken the mind, body, and spiritual endurance to compete and play sports at a high elite level."
