Waneek Horn-Miller – Water Polo
(part of the Chiefs and Champions series)

Directed by Annie Frazier Henry
Produced by Annie Frazier Henry/Ken Malenstyn
Big Red Barn Entertainment
24 minutes • 2005
Also available on DVD

Waneek Horn-Miller, a Mohawk from Kahnawake, Québec, was a key member of the Canadian Women's Water Polo team that won gold at the 1999 Pan Am Games. Voted MVP, Waneek became co-captain and proudly led her team at the Sydney Olympics in 2000. Only 10 years earlier, at 14, she was struck to the ground by a soldier's bayonet during the Oka Crisis. Despite the fear and anger that plagued her afterwards, she chose to re-enter the outside world through sports. Not afraid of much, Waneek even took on Water Polo Canada when she was unexpectedly cut from the team after Sydney. She discusses the stereotypes Aboriginal athletes face and the invaluable guidance given to her by fellow Mohawk Olympian Alwyn Morris. Following his advice, Waneek has worked hard to share her achievements in hopes of inspiring others to reach for their dreams.

Subject(s): Indigenous people–Mohawk, Indigenous people–Six Nations, Leadership, Racism, Sports, Women