NAIG 2014 Profiles: Heather O'Watch
- Creeson Agecoutay | May 22, 2014
With the 2014 North American Indigenous Games in Regina two months away, Indigenous youth from across North America are training hard to compete in the sports that they love. If there is one thing to say about these athletes, they are very hard working young leaders of tomorrow. Not only are they involved in sports and their education but many of them are working part-time jobs. Here are just a handful of athletes that I had the privilege to talk to.
HEATHER O'WATCH
AGE: 19
RESERVE: OKANESE FIRST NATION
SPORT: ARCHERY
Heather O'Watch is a hard working university student and she says she wouldn't have it any other way.
Recently finishing her grade 12 last year, she is now attending university classes at the First Nations University of Canada in Regina, majoring in journalism. On top of her studies, she also works two jobs and is part of the First Nations University Student Association, as well as practicing in archery for this year's 2014 NAIG in Regina.
"It's a lot of juggling. I always have to make sure I have organization making sure my phone is scheduled. My alarm is constantly going off."
When asked what NAIG means to her, she says, "It's like the Olympics for aboriginal people. It's that big and I don't think Regina knows yet how big that is but to me it's a big deal."
Growing up in a single mother family, Heather says she gets much of her inspiration from her mother.
"I have two sisters and a younger brother. To be able to see my mom raise four children on her own in Regina, work day and night and even to this day, she is still working.
To see her keep going, it keeps me motivated. She is a really a good supporter in my life."
Be sure to check out more NAIG athlete profiles on our Interviews or Sports page.