The Huskies are proud to celebrate the many contributions and inspirational stories of Indigenous Huskies alumni. Below we hear from Huskie Cross Country alumna Jaira Cross Child on her culture, journey to sport, time with the Huskies and what inspires her each and every day.
What is your home community and where did you grow up?
I am a Niitsitapi Kainai Blackfoot woman. My home reserve, the Blood Tribe, is located in southern Alberta on Treaty 7 territory. I was born in Saskatoon and have lived here for the majority of my life. I consider both Saskatchewan and my reserve home.
How did you get into your sport?
I started running when I was young because I grew up watching my parents run and I just thought it was something everybody did. I first signed up for cross-country in grade four and then continued to regularly participate in running events. As I went through elementary and high-school, my focus was on hockey and basketball, and I only ran as additional training for those sports or during the off-seasons. In grade 11 I decided to make the full-time switch to cross-country and track and field. At this time, I started training with my coach Jamie Epp and an awesome group of girls, and I realized that running was my true passion.
What role has sport played in your life?
Sport has always been a part of who I am. It has taught me the importance of goal setting, working hard, challenging myself, and working alongside teammates, all values which I bring to other aspects of my life. Running has carried me through some of life's toughest days. It connects me with the land and reminds me to be present, grounding me physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Although sport is no longer the central focus of my life, I continue to run because it continues to shape who I am. I know it will always be there for me as a source of strength and health.
What was your favourite part of being a Huskie?
The best part of being a Huskie was the relationships I formed. Through Huskie Athletics, I met incredible people I never would have crossed paths with otherwise. One day, while walking with a teammate after we both completed our eligibility, she said something that has stayed with me since, "even if we won every single medal possible, we would still value the relationships we made more."
Some of my favourite and proudest moments as a Huskie were racing in an orange singlet at the Dakota Classic cross-country meet for National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, as I was able to represent my teammates, my school, and all my Indigenous relatives.
Who are your biggest inspirations?
My biggest inspiration is my family. My parents and three brothers all run, and I am constantly motivated by their individual running journeys. Whether they are battling through an injury, training for a new goal, or racing an ultra-marathon, their perseverance and passion always inspire me. Trail running in the mountains with my family is my favourite thing to do!
How do you hope to inspire others?
Throughout my time as a Huskie and since then, I have been involved in the community through organizations such as Prairie Run Crew and Classroom Champions. Through Classroom Champions, I have had the opportunity to empower youth by promoting confidence, perseverance, and a growth mindset through classroom Zoom calls and in-person visits. Through Prairie Run Crew, I have participated in many community running events that highlight the positive impact running and sport can have on the mental health and well-being of individuals and communities. I also completed an Honours qualitative research project during my undergraduate degree in the College of Kinesiology, focused on how sport influences Indigenous youth identity and wellness. Through these opportunities, it's been valuable to me to be able to share my passion for running and how it has impacted my holistic health with others, especially Indigenous youth, by encouraging connection to movement, community, and overall well-being.
National Indigenous History Month is a call to recognize and learn from the histories, stories, and cultures of Indigenous peoples. It is also a time to celebrate the resilience, successes, and voices of Indigenous individuals and communities. As a proud Blackfoot woman, I am honoured to reflect on and celebrate the stories and teachings of my family and ancestors, which continue to guide who I am today. This month, I have also been inspired by seeing what other Huskie Athletic Indigenous alumni are doing. I am proud to have competed with an organization that celebrates Indigenous athletes and their voices.
