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: Tony Messano
Age: 16
Nation & Clan: Onondaga Eel
Team: 16U Wrestling
Years wrestling: 6
School & Year: Freshman at Lafayette Jr./Sr. High School
Favorite Wrestling Move: The Cement Mixer
Other favorite activities: Football and lacrosse
What are you looking forward to most about going to NAIG in Toronto? “I’ve
just never been to Canada before, I want to see how it is.