Ho-Chunk Nation’s top athletes compete in the North American Indigenous Games
By Minnie Lonetree
North American Indigenous Games (NAIG) takes place every three years. Team Wisconsin is made up of the top athletes from 11 tribes and 13 regions from the state. NAIG is said to be the largest sporting event of indigenous people.
Team #88 stands for reconciliation, a positive sporting event and an impact it brings from the indigenous communities and knowing more about their sport.
This year for the NAIG, it took place in Toronto, Canada and the games went on for five days.
TreVonna Rave said “I experienced a new scenery and it was nice to have a Tim Hortons around almost every corner. Most of my time went towards the track meet. A three day track meet was a bit exhausting but it was worth all the fun I had”.
“Standing on the tallest podium was the best part. Based on all my experience with discus, I knew I had a gold medal waiting for me, but always stayed humble about” Rave said.
Alyson Giroux Ho-Chunk athlete was in U14 swimming and competed in the NAIG winning a bronze from the 200 meter medley and winning two silver for two different events. Alyson said “it was fun, exciting in a different country, we were one of the smallest teams for swimming but we did really good for a small team, got a lot of gold, silver and bronze.”
Before competing, Alyson always told herself “you got this,” and “push yourself harder, and try to get a bronze,” Giroux said.
Winning two silvers and one bronze. Alyson said she was very happy, shocked, and thankful. It felt good to be on the podium, “on the podium, I felt like Michael Phelps or Katie Ledecky.
The next NAIG Alyson said she would love to go again for swimming and train for her upcoming U16 division and try to get a silver or gold in the next North American Indigenous Games.
David Zimmer is the Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation for NAIG 2017.
“Congratulations to all team Ontario athletes for your inspiring performances at NAIG 2017. Just as important as the competition, are the many friendships that were formed, and lasting memories that were made both on and off the field at these Games,” Zimmer said.
“From pride of culture to achievement in sport, Ontario is proud to celebrate the promise of indigenous youth at these games and far beyond.”
Ho-Chunk Athletes
Gold medalists: Silver medalists: Bronze medalists:
Josh- Wrestling Justice- Wrestling Maykah- Track
TreVonna- Track and Field (discuss) Tianna- Golf Peter-U14 Boys Basketball
Olivia- Archery Gabby- Swimming two events
Trinity- U14 girls Basketball
Gabby- Swimming
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