June 16, 2021
Getting to Know...Algoma Thunderbirds Shayla Pine
Burlington, Ont. - Shayla Pine, a first-year student-athlete from the Algoma Thunderbirds women's soccer team, shares what her heritage, experiences, and honouring Indigenous History Month mean to her.
What does it mean to you to be an Indigenous student-athlete?
Being an Indigenous athlete is something that means a lot to me. Playing soccer ever since I was five years old growing up on a reserve that supported me up until today has really helped me pursue my dream and passion as a soccer player. Not just my family, but the reserve, Garden River itself. It allowed me to be where I am today and I can't be anymore thankful. It also means a lot to be a role model for younger generations on my reserve and others, as I've travelled around the north shore inspiring others to do their best in what they are passionate about. It means much more than just being an athlete, but to be a proud and successful student.
How has your Indigenous heritage helped shape who you are today?
Growing up as an Indigenous individual taught me to take pride in who I am and where I came from. As well as persevering in what I do, whether it's being an athlete or just accomplishing what I aspire to do and be. My Indigenous heritage gave me the ability to stand tall and be an independent Indigenous woman. Through all the racism and feeling like I wasn't accepted by many growing up, I gained all the strength I've ever needed. It allowed me to understand where I stand in today's world, to prove others wrong, and do what I do for myself and others around me.
What does Indigenous History Month mean to you?
Indigenous History Month means a lot to me. It's the light that helps not only me, but all Indigenous people to understand where I came from and how important the culture is. It allows me to grow, learn, and experience who I am. To be acknowledged as an Indigenous individual reminds me that I am not alone and we all came together as one despite all our culture has been through. I intend to keep the culture growing and not let what our ancestors intended to be thrown out the window.
Why do you feel it is important to see more awareness and better education when it comes to honouring Indigenous history, this month and beyond?
Reflection is something that we all use on a day-to-day basis, whether we realize we're doing it or not. We look back on what we've accomplished or even done wrong every day. We do that in order to learn what needs to change or to improve. That being said, I feel it is important to see more awareness and better education in honouring Indigenous history and much more in order for all to reflect on all the bad and good; to make improvements, changes, and grow the culture.
In honour of Indigenous History Month, what message would you like to share with others across the OUA and beyond?
Indigenous History Month isn't just for us Indigenous individuals; it's for all. For all to be open minded to all that's happened in the past. Not to create shame or blame, but to understand the truth and accept what's brought all of us to where we are today. We're all in this together, and to work together means to build a better world, rather than fighting against each other as similar mistakes have been made in the past. Never give up, and take pride in who you are, always.
What does it mean to you to be an Indigenous student-athlete?
Being an Indigenous athlete is something that means a lot to me. Playing soccer ever since I was five years old growing up on a reserve that supported me up until today has really helped me pursue my dream and passion as a soccer player. Not just my family, but the reserve, Garden River itself. It allowed me to be where I am today and I can't be anymore thankful. It also means a lot to be a role model for younger generations on my reserve and others, as I've travelled around the north shore inspiring others to do their best in what they are passionate about. It means much more than just being an athlete, but to be a proud and successful student.
How has your Indigenous heritage helped shape who you are today?
Growing up as an Indigenous individual taught me to take pride in who I am and where I came from. As well as persevering in what I do, whether it's being an athlete or just accomplishing what I aspire to do and be. My Indigenous heritage gave me the ability to stand tall and be an independent Indigenous woman. Through all the racism and feeling like I wasn't accepted by many growing up, I gained all the strength I've ever needed. It allowed me to understand where I stand in today's world, to prove others wrong, and do what I do for myself and others around me.
What does Indigenous History Month mean to you?
Indigenous History Month means a lot to me. It's the light that helps not only me, but all Indigenous people to understand where I came from and how important the culture is. It allows me to grow, learn, and experience who I am. To be acknowledged as an Indigenous individual reminds me that I am not alone and we all came together as one despite all our culture has been through. I intend to keep the culture growing and not let what our ancestors intended to be thrown out the window.
Why do you feel it is important to see more awareness and better education when it comes to honouring Indigenous history, this month and beyond?
Reflection is something that we all use on a day-to-day basis, whether we realize we're doing it or not. We look back on what we've accomplished or even done wrong every day. We do that in order to learn what needs to change or to improve. That being said, I feel it is important to see more awareness and better education in honouring Indigenous history and much more in order for all to reflect on all the bad and good; to make improvements, changes, and grow the culture.
In honour of Indigenous History Month, what message would you like to share with others across the OUA and beyond?
Indigenous History Month isn't just for us Indigenous individuals; it's for all. For all to be open minded to all that's happened in the past. Not to create shame or blame, but to understand the truth and accept what's brought all of us to where we are today. We're all in this together, and to work together means to build a better world, rather than fighting against each other as similar mistakes have been made in the past. Never give up, and take pride in who you are, always.
