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: Sophia Powless
Age: 17
Nation & Clan: Onondaga Wolf
Team: U19 Girl’s Volleyball
Position: Middle hitter
School & Year: Senior at Lafayette Jr./Sr. High School
Other favorite activities: Reading, hiking, and baking
As a veteran of NAIG, do you have any advice for those going for your teammates going for the first time? “Enjoy every moment!”