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: Keegan Hemlock
Age: 16
Nation & Clan: Onondaga Beaver
Team: 16U Athletics (Track & Field)
Years Doing Track & Field: 3 years
School Year: Upcoming Junior at Lafayette Jr./Sr. High School
Favorite Event: High Jump
Other Favorite Activity: Photography
As a NAIG veteran, what is your advice to your teammates going for the first time? “Even if you’re worried about an event, just go for it. Last time I went, I got a bronze medal for throwing javelin, and I hadn’t had much practice doing it.”