Having people who I identify with as having a similar background or people who had to do the same kind of things as I’m doing are the people I look up to and try to emulate the most. First it was my family who gave me the inspiration to work hard and set goals and now there are a couple of women on the Canadian National Team that I really look up to.  

One is Emily Clark, she took a very similar path as mine. She grew up in Saskatoon and then moved to Okanagan Hockey Academy to train and develop her skills. She often comes back to OHA and helps out coaching and giving advice when ever she’s there. She’s very positive, helping young women in sports and making sure we understand there is more to life than playing hockey. 

Another person I really look up to is Brigette Lacquette. She’s the first Indigenous hockey player to make the Canadian women’s Olympic team.  For me also being Indigenous it is really big to see her playing at the Olympics and to accomplish all those things inspires me. Seeing another Indigenous person playing hockey at such a high level made me realize it was something I can do also if I want to put in the time and effort. She’s also a great role model, who had to deal with racism but didn’t let it stop her. She just became that much more determined.  

When I see someone like Brigette on the ice, it helps keep me motivated to know I can have the same opportunity some day.  

It’s very important for all of us to celebrate Indigenous History Month and to look back with pride at all that has been accomplished by our ancestors. They are really the ones who have given us the opportunities we enjoy today. I think it’s very important that we step back and look at what’s been done and to see what we can do in the future.  

I would really like to see much more awareness of our history and through things like celebrating this month and observing Orange Shirt Day to remember those people who were forced to go to residential school. In May, we also have Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women Day. These are all things we can pay tribute to while raising awareness and educating people. These are great ways to let our voices be heard and to show what each of us can do. These are powerful opportunities that can create a better future where we can all understand each other better. 

There are a couple things that are important and one is look for ways to help others. Growing up, I had great role models in my family and around me. I was taught it was important to see those people who do good things and to model myself to be like them. When I grew up my parents always taught us about the importance of giving back. We always volunteered and gave back to the community. We were taught with simple acts you can change people’s lives. It might be as simple as giving people a smile on a day when they really need it because it just might be the boost they need and can change the way they are thinking.  

I also think it’s important to surround yourself with people who are positive influences so you can model yourself in a better way. You need to be yourself and don’t change who or what you are for others. You need to do things for yourself and do things that truly make you happy.