Representatives of her First Nation and of the Assembly of First Nations were at the Winnipeg airport Sept. 6 to welcome Trina Ross of Pimicikamak Cree Nation back to Canada after an impressive showing with her team at the dragon boat world championships.
Ross, the only female Indigenous member of Team Canada at the 2022 ICF Dragon Boat World Championships in the Czech Republic, helped the team capture three gold medals, one silver medal and four bronze medals while competing in the masters 40, co-ed and women’s categories.
Upon her arrival in Winnipeg, Ross was presented with flowers and gifts and wrapped in a star blanket based on the PCN flag.
“As the chief of Pimicikamak Cree Nation, I extend my gratitude to Trina Ross for her hard work. She has made us all so proud today,” said Chief David Monias. “I want to thank Trina because she is serving as a role model for everyone in Pimicikamak and in all First Nations. Trina, you will inspire so many people to follow in your footsteps. Keep up the good work and I look forward to witnessing your continued success.”
PCN councillors Shirley Robinson and Lee Thomson were among those at the airport to greet Ross.
“Trina Ross has worked tirelessly to achieve her lifelong dream and I know she won’t stop here! I know Trina as she lives down the road from me in Pimicikamak Cree Nation,” said Robinson. “Being part of Team Canada and bringing home all these medals is an amazing accomplishment. I had butterflies when I saw her coming down the escalator at the airport this morning. We are all so extremely proud and Trina should also be proud because she is the only Indigenous woman who represented us as part of Team Canada. To see our own nation’s flag hoisted in the Czech Republic is something else!”
Another member of the greeting party was AFN Manitoba regional chief Cindy Woodhouse.
“Trina is a tremendous athlete, and she has trained hard to be where she is today,” Woodhouse said. “I want to congratulate Trina and Team Canada for bringing home so many medals and for representing Canada in this way. Trina is an amazing role model for First Nations youth and has demonstrated what is possible when you put so much effort and passion into something you love. She has shown that nothing is impossible if you follow your dreams. We are proud of you and your team”
Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak Grand Chief Garrison Settee, a PCN member himself, also offered his congratulations to Ross.
“We are so very proud of one of our own being a successful athlete on the world stage,” Settee said. “Congratulations to Pimicikamak Cree Nation member Trina Ross on your accomplishments as part of Team Canada. You have made us proud. You show that when someone puts their mind to it, they can accomplish anything.”
