Sports professionals discuss reconciliation, inclusion of Indigenous communities in athletics

The Saskatchewan Winter Games are in progress in Regina, and according to organizers, 156 participants self-identified as First Nations, Inuit or Métis. There are 1,373 participants in total. 

Indigenous inclusion in sports and Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action was the topic of conversation on Wednesday evening at the University of Regina. Bryan Eneas of the CBC moderated a panel discussion featuring members of the Indigenous sports community. 

Sydney Daniels, of Mistawasis Nêhiyawak First Nation in Treaty 6 territory, gave the keynote speech to kick off the evening. She is the first-ever female NHL Scout for the Winnipeg Jets. 

Daniels' list of accomplishments is long, but she said she wanted viewers to understand that she is not an accurate representation of what most Indigenous lives look like. 

Daniels grew up in the United States for most of her life and attended Harvard University, where she was captain of the Harvard Crimson hockey team. When her playing career in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) ended, she became an assistant coach with the team.

"Since birth I've been given an amount of privilege that most Indigenous youth never have the chance to experience," Daniels said.

"There are these women ice hockey players who are just as good as I am, but because they don't have access to those opportunities, they aren't able to do the things that I've been afforded to do."

But Daniels said she believes her story can show Indigenous athletes and young Indigenous athlete hopefuls that they can have a stellar career and break down barriers.

"If I'm able to inspire or just impact one child, then that is the greatest thing I've ever done in my life, hands down. Better than any trophy, better than