Oñgwaweñna’
by Wendiyoh Estrada-Goeman
The Onondaga Nation will be sending athletes, coaches, and representatives to the 10th North American Indigenous Games (NAIG) in Toronto, Canada. NAIG is an all-indigenous competition celebrating native communities and their athletes from all across Turtle Island (North America). Team Haudenosaunee (New York) is comprised of athletes from all Haudenosaunee nations. They will be competing in such events as Athletics, Wrestling, Softball, Basketball, Volleyball, Lacrosse, and Soccer. The athletes will be competing in Toronto from July 16-23, 2017.
Name: Kyla Smoke
Age: 18
Nation & Clan: Onondaga Beaver
Team: U19 Girl’s Basketball
Position: Guard
Years Playing: 6
School & Year: Senior at LaFayette Jr./Sr. High School
As a NAIG veteran, what’s your advice to athletes going to the NAIG for the first time? “Go watch the other sports that are there. It’s really cool seeing everyone from different states come and play against each other.”