Jiigewegaabaw: Looks over the edge for his people and family
By Dan Ninham Jiigewegaabaw: My wen’ehs (namesakes) saw me in a dream looking over the water, looking out over Lake Mille Lacs. The translation is he who looks out over the edge,” said Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe member Joe Nayquonabe, Jr. Often native people live their Indian names they received as babies into their […]
Strength sports is more than just deadlifts, it’s about community
By Dan Ninham Powerlifting is a strength sport where the goal is to lift as much weight as possible. Your strength is measured by your maximal one repetition max in the squat, bench press, and deadlift. This strength is further refined by the subdivisions you’re in, such as weight-classes or age groups. Jenesis Fonder, a […]
Geyaabi wiikwajichigen with All American Katie Taylor
By Dan Ninham “Geyaabi wiikwajichigen … Keep Striving/ Endeavoring.” These are the empowering Ojibwemowin Laura Taylor says best represents her daughter Katie Taylor, who is on the track and field team at Minnesota State University in Mankato. She is studying Information Technology and Mathematics. Katie is a member of the Lac Courte Oreilles (LCO) Lake […]
The Girls On My Team Are My Sisters
By Dan Ninham Interethnic and interracial friendships offer opportunities for athletes to learn how others see their world. This helps people get along and accomplish team goals. The Minnesota West Community and Technical College Lady Jay’s Volleyball Team, in the town of Worthington, Minnesota, 65 miles east of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, includes four Native […]
Angelo Baca: Runner, Educator and Filmmaker
By Dan Ninham At 39, Angelo Baca (Navajo/Hopi) continues to lace up his running shoes and runs toward the east before sunrise. A three-time National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) National Champion in Cross Country, Angelo’s high altitude running began at an early age near his hometown of Blanding, Utah and in the Bears Ears […]