This summer, Milton District High School student, Grayson Blackbird, travelled to Halifax, Nova Scotia to represent Ontario as part of the U19 Soccer Team at the
North American Indigenous Games. Five thousand athletes from across Turtle Island participated in 16 different sports between July 15 and 23. Grayson is a member of Walpole Island First Nation.
The North American Indigenous Games 2023 is the 10th North American Indigenous Games, continuing the dream to hold Games for the world’s Indigenous Peoples which began in the 1970s. The object of the games is to unite Indigenous Nations and athletes by celebrating, sharing and reconnecting through sport and culture.
When speaking of the games and his experience there, Grayson says, “The games are important to me because they give me a chance to connect with other Indigenous athletes in a very positive way. For years these games could never have happened. My grandfather, and even my dad, had to hide their heritage. It was considered a ‘bad thing’ to be a member of a First Nations community. I feel lucky and privileged to proudly represent my culture on the soccer pitch."
The Halton District School Board is committed to celebrating the brilliance, excellence and many contributions of Indigenous peoples. We celebrate Grayson’s accomplishments and are proud of the leadership he has demonstrated with his gifts of athleticism and connections to his Walpole Island First Nation, Pottawatomi, Anishinaabe Indigeneity.
Grayson and the North American Indigenous Games teach us of the importance of creating opportunities for Indigenous youth to use their gifts and stand proud in their Indigeneity.
“The Milton District High School community is so proud of Grayson for his success at the North American Indigenous Games,” says Jeffery Carey, Principal at Milton District High School. “What an amazing experience for him to represent himself, his family and his culture. Through this experience, he is spreading awareness to other Indigenous students about this incredible opportunity. We can't wait to see further success from Grayson and hopefully other HDSB students who might participate in 2027 in Calgary, Alberta.”
Team Ontario finished with a bronze medal in soccer. Congratulations to Grayson and to all of the athletes that attended the games.
