I’m Mila Stonechild, a member of the Muscowpetung Saulteaux Nation near Fort Qu’Appelle, Saskatchewan.  

My journey into the world of sports began when I was just four-years old. Since then, I’ve explored dance, figure skating, gymnastics, track and field, cross-country, volleyball, basketball and soccer. In the past few years, my dedication has been primarily focused on soccer and track and field. 

My soccer adventure truly kicked off when I joined the Prince Albert Celtics (PAYSA), as a U11 player. Initially I was asked to be a keeper, a position I held for two years until a broken wrist sidelined me from that role. During a tournament, I was given the chance to play out of the net. It was there that I discovered my speed was a significant asset and I developed a genuine love for playing on the pitch. 

Now, as a U15 player, my passion for soccer drives me to work hard as both a forward and a winger. I relish the competitive challenge and I love the mental and technical aspects of playing on a larger field. During my time with the Celtics, I had the chance to compete both in my age group and with older players in various tournaments, which offered new opportunities for me. Over the past two years, I participated in several sessions with the Junior Huskies Program and I recently joined the ASTRA Academy in Saskatoon, all while still playing with the Celtics. 

I’ve had some amazing experiences thanks to soccer. In September 2023, I was thrilled to be chosen as one of eight people from a large pool of applicants across Canada to be part of the “See Them, Be Them” initiative from GE Appliances. My mom and I flew to Ontario, where we met Quinn, a midfielder for the Canadian National Women’s Team, and Bev Priestman, the head coach of the team.  

Along with other soccer players from around the country, we were invited to watch the deciding game for the women’s team to qualify for the Summer Olympics in Paris. Watching the Canadian women’s team in person was a once-in-a-lifetime experience and incredibly cool. It opened my eyes to the various possibilities available in soccer, whether as an elite player, a coach or in management. Now, with the announcement of the Northern Super League debuting with six teams, the opportunities available for women soccer players in Saskatchewan is rising. 

I was thrilled when I received the invitation to join the UPP ASTRA Girls U19 team for the Ibercup tournament in Estoril, Portugal. Imagine, my team and I will be playing four games this July 2024 in a World Cup tournament, competing against teams from all over the world, including Spain and Portugal. The excitement of playing in a different country is beyond words, especially since it’s the home of my favorite soccer player, Cristiano Ronaldo!  

Soccer is where my heart truly lies but track and field has played a crucial role in boosting my performance within soccer. Through countless track practices, I discovered a new passion for competing as an individual, a stark contrast to the teamwork involved in soccer. 

My track and field journey began back in grade 6. I was practicing, but since I was new to the sport, I didn’t really participate in any meets. Everything changed when I tried out for the track team and found out I made the team to represent Saskatchewan at the North American Indigenous Games. That’s when I started to really pay attention and practice seriously. 

In July 2023, the North American Indigenous Games were held in Halifax and our entire Saskatchewan delegation headed there to compete. I competed in five events and had an amazing experience, bringing home a bronze medal in javelin, a gold medal in discus and a gold medal in the 4×400-metre relay for the U14 Female category. 

To my great surprise, in the fall of 2023, I received the 2023 Bob Adams Foundation Field Award in the Under 16 Female category. I was incredibly excited about it. I knew I liked track, but I had no idea what kind of opportunities awaited me in the sport. 

I’ve always had a passion for sports, constantly seeking out challenges and opportunities to push myself further, whether in sports or any other endeavor that demands improvement and competitiveness.

Recently, my mom signed me up for the RBC Training Ground talent identification testing in Saskatoon. Unsure of what to expect, I knew it involved various physical tests. Upon arrival, I met fellow athletes from across the province and thoroughly enjoyed tackling the testing stations. The camaraderie was uplifting, everyone was supportive, and to top it off, I scored a free t-shirt. 

This is me, Mila Stonechild, a First Nations woman driven by the ambition to empower young First Nation women and athletes. In the future, my ultimate goal is to use my own journey and insights to coach and mentor others, helping them realize their full potential and achieve their dreams.