Episodes
Words of Wisdom
Coach Says
Episodes
Episode 12 - Gino Odjick
An Algonquin from Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg Quebec, Gino Odjick made his NHL debut with the Vancouver Canucks and went on to become the leagues’ top enforcer and a fan favorite, receiving extensive media exposure. Realizing he had became an important role model Gino turned his attention to First Nations youth. Speaking at workshops and conferences, Gino remains committed and focused on relaying his positive message to youth about how to address their fears, overcome challenges, and reach their goals.
Episode 11 - Sharon and Shirley Firth
Raised in the Northwest Territories and members of the Gwich’in Nation, twin sisters Sharon and Shirley Firth were introduced to cross-country skiing at the age of fourteen. Their tenacity and perseverance resulted in 80 medals at Canada’s national championships, including 48 gold, 25 silver and seven bronzes. They were the first women to represent Canada and compete at a Nordic World Championship, a World Junior Championship and at the Olympic Winter Games. Today they share their inspirational story with youth, encouraging them to develop a healthy and active lifestyle.
Episode 10 - Richard Peter
A member of the Cowichan Tribes, Richard Peter is a dynamic wheelchair basketball champion. Competing on an international level, he and his team won gold at both the 2000 and 2004 Paralymic Games. A proven leader on and off the court, Richard is a key spokesperson for BC Wheelchair Sports. He advocates a healthy and active lifestyle for young wheelchair athletes and encourages them to discover their abilities in sport.
Episode 9 - Angela Chalmers
Ranked as one of the top three female middle distance runners in the world, Angela Chalmers competed in two Olympic Games. A member of the Sioux Nation, Angela was born in Manitoba and raised in Victoria where she proudly carried the Canadian flag at the opening of the 1994 Commonwealth Games. Already a double-gold medalist, she would smash her earlier record in front of an ecstatic hometown crowd. Inducted into both the BC and Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame, Angela continues to inspire young athletes.
Episode 8 - Billy Two Rivers
Mohawk wrestler Billy Two Rivers became famous internationally in the 1960’s then parlayed his experience into the political arena. Elected to the Mohawk Council of Kahnawake for 20 years, he is now called upon for his experience and his wisdom. Today he is a senior policy and political advisor to the National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations and also serves in a capacity as Elder for Aboriginal youth, instilling pride and responsibility.
Episode 7 - Darren Zack
Darren Zack is a legend in the world of Fastpitch Softball. Nicknamed “Z Man’ by his adoring fans, he set records at every level, pitching the most wins, strikeouts and consecutive scoreless innings, capturing three gold medals at the Pan Am Games. A resident and member of Garden River First Nation, Darren actively promotes Fastpitch by conducting pitching clinics throughout North America, encouraging community involvement in the sport.
Episode 6 – Roger Adolph
Roger Adolph of the St′at′imic Nation, got into a fight playing basketball at the Kamloops Indian Residential School. If you want to fight, he was told, get in the ring. After a successful amateur and pro career, he retired from boxing to become a chief negotiator for his people. He claims he would not be the leader he is today if it were not for boxing. “Sports”, he says, “is the prime vehicle for developing future leaders.”
Episode 5 – Ross Powless
Ross Powless, tracing the birth of lacrosse back to his ancestors from Six Nations, became a "warrior" of lacrosse by bringing excitement and interest back to the sport at a time when it was declining. During his illustrious career, he received just about every honour available to a lacrosse player. For years, he continued to coach and inspire young players and teams, alongside his many years as band councillor and band administrator.
Episode 4 – Tom Longboat
Tom Longboat, distance runner and winner of the 1907 Boston Marathon, was Canada’s most celebrated athlete. An Onondaga from Six Nations, Tom volunteered as a dispatch runner during WWI, but was never awarded his pension. Voted the #1 sports figure of the 20th century by Maclean's Magazine, his legacy lives on through the prestigious Tom Longboat Award, presented every year to Canada’s top Aboriginal athlete.
Episode 3 – Alwyn Morris
Alwyn Morris, a Mohawk from Kahnawake, Québec, won kayaking Gold at the 1984 Olympics. During his memorable stand on the podium, he held an eagle feather high to honour his grandfather. He is the visionary behind the Aboriginal Sports Circle, a national organization committed to the development of athletes and coaches. As a member of his Band Council, he discusses his involvement in negotiating land issues.
Episode 2 – Waneek Horn-Miller
Waneek Horn-Miller, a Mohawk from Kahnawake, Québec, was a key member of the Canadian Women's Water Polo team. As co-captain, she proudly led her team at the Sydney Olympics in 2000. Not afraid of much, she took on Water Polo Canada when she was unexpectedly cut from the team. Discussing the stereotypes Aboriginal athletes face, she shares her achievements in hopes of inspiring others to reach for their dreams.
Episode 1 - Fred Sasakamoose
Fred Sasakamoose, a Cree from Saskatchewan, signed with the Chicago Blackhawks in 1953 and became the first status Indian to play in the NHL. After just one season, he chose to leave. He played for WCHL’s Kamloops Chiefs until he returned home and became Chief of his own people for six years. He discusses his battle with alcohol as a young man, and the work he now does to heal substance abuse in his community.