The Huskies are proud to celebrate the many contributions and inspirational stories of Indigenous Huskie athletes and alumni. Below we hear from Huskie Women's Hockey alumna and USask Indigenous Achievement Award recipient Paris Oleksyn on why giving back means so much to her.
Why does it mean so much to you to give back to community and specifically to Indigenous youth?
For me, giving back means a lot because I wouldn't be where I am today without the support of my family, community, coaches, and mentors. Throughout my hockey and university journey, I've had people who encouraged me, believed in me, and helped me succeed. I think it's important to give that support back to others. Giving back to Indigenous youth is especially meaningful because I want young people to see that they can achieve their goals while staying connected to their culture and identity. If I can help build someone's confidence, share what I've learned, or inspire them to pursue their dreams, then that's something I'm proud to be a part of.
What are some athletic highlights from your time as a Huskie?
Some highlights from my time as a Huskie include winning bronze at nationals in Prince Edward Island. Also beating MRU in the semis to advance us to nationals in my rookie year!
Our annual Play for a Cure game in support of cancer research has definitely been a highlight. It's entirely run by the team and this year we raised more than $19,000 for the Irene and Leslie Dubé Breast Health Centre.
What are some highlights from your work in the community?
Taking part in the Day in a Life with the Huskies Athletics Indigenous student-athlete group! Also playing a pre-season game at Big River First Nation. That's where lots of my family is from and getting the chance to learn more about Indigenous culture after our game made a big impact on me.
I also had the chance to spend some time outside of class hours at Bedford Road Collegiate talking with high school students about university and athletics.
Volunteering with Nikaniwin, an activity based program teaching Indigenous languages and culture was something I'm super proud to have been a part of.
What does being Métis mean to you? How do you honour your Métis roots and identity?
Being Métis to me means being proud of who I am and where I came from. It connects me to my family and those who came before me. I honour my Métis roots by staying connected to my culture and carrying important values with me in everything I do. Whether it's through hockey, school, or volunteering, I try to represent my community in a positive way and be someone younger Indigenous youth can look up to.
What would you say to someone thinking about getting involved in Indigenous initiatives on campus?
I would absolutely tell them to go for it. Getting involved in Indigenous initiatives on campus is a great way to meet people, learn from different experiences, and build a sense of community. Some of my most meaningful experiences at university came from connecting with others through Indigenous programs and events. Whether you are Indigenous or non-Indigenous, these spaces provide understanding, support and growth. I would encourage others to take advantage of those opportunities and keep an open mind as they learn from others. The connections and experiences you gain can have a lasting impact.
Do you hope to continue working in the community and mentoring Indigenous youth in the future? How?
Yes, absolutely. My last five years at the university brought me so many opportunities to stay connected with Indigenous youth. As someone who has benefited from the support and guidance of others throughout my journey, I want to help provide that same encouragement to the next generation. Especially through hockey I am able to now continue encouraging young athletes whether it's through coaching, mentoring, volunteering, or simply sharing my experiences as a Métis woman and former university athlete, I hope to share my experiences, be a positive role model, and show Indigenous youth that they can achieve their goals while staying connected to who they are. Being able to give back and help create opportunities for the next generation is something that's very important to me.
