A national Indigenous team is competing for the first time ever at the Canadian women’s under-18 tackle football championships this week.
The squad joins teams from Saskatchewan, New Brunswick, Ontario (two), Manitoba and Quebec from July 23-29 in Ottawa.
The All Indigenous team is also featuring players from Alberta, including:
Ashlynn Shortman – Mikisew Cree First Nation, Gabrielle Gladue & Keyleigh Boucher from Fort McKay First Nation, Memphis Eagletail – Tsuut’ina Nation & Talitah Crowfoot Hendy from Siksika Nation.
The tournament will begin with seeding games July 23, after which teams will be allocated to two pools based upon results and previous rankings. Alberta, the defending champion, and Saskatchewan will kick the event off to determine the first seed.
“The U18 National Indigenous Girls Football Team represents outstanding Indigenous athletes from communities across Canada. We are proud to be hosting these exceptional athletes, supporting their development and opportunities to compete at the national level, said Kevin Hart, president of Indigenous Football Canada. “The development of this team is a historic milestone for football where young Indigenous women will be represented and perform on a national level where athletes can showcase their skills and be recognized as leaders in sport”
