Indigenous women from Canada earned the most medals at the World Broomball Championships

Two female Indigenous teams from Canada clinched silver and bronze at the International Federation of Broomball Associations (IFBA) World Broomball Championships last week. 

AlgonCrees proudly claimed silver, while Anishinabe Iskwewak earned bronze at the IFBA World Broomball Championships in Mont-Blanc, France on Oct. 26, showcasing Indigenous talent at one of the highest levels of broomball.

"I support both teams and I'm just glad we both have medals to take home," said Amanda Mayappo-Neeposh, who is Cree from Waswanipi. 

Around 500 athletes participated in the tournament. Teams from Italy, Australia, and the USA, among several others, competed in the women's category.

The AlgonCrees is made up of players from Algonquin and Cree territories from Quebec and Ontario. They played eight regular games and finished with four wins, two losses, and two ties. 

"They were very excited to see an all-Indigenous team. Some of them didn't even know that there are native people in Quebec," said Mayappo-Neeposh. 

They came up short for gold as Team USA outscored them 2-0.

Other teams praised AlgonCree's style of play, noting their strength, strong defence, and powerful goal shots, which introduced a new style to the tournament, according to Mayappo-Neeposh. 

"Playing with the all-Indigenous team [at worlds] was something that I would never thought I would happen. I'm so glad that we made a team to play other countries," said Mayappo-Neeposh. 

'It was a dream come true'

Eleanor Coonishish, a player for Anishnabe Iskwewak noted the presence of Indigenous players is on the rise in high-calibre broomball tournaments.

Many of  Anishnabe Iskwewak's players are from Kitigan Zibi, Pikogan, Maniwaki, among a few Cree players from different communities of Eeyou Istchee. They won the bronze medal match over team Australia with a final score of 3-2. 

"I think it felt like really amazing to finally show that we have talents also in the Cree Nation," said Coonishish, who is from Mistissini, Que. 

She has been playing since she was four years old, and this is her first time travelling overseas.

"I loved it, it was a dream come true," said Coonishish, adding that she wants Cree women to know anyone can achieve their dreams if they put their minds to it.

"Keep working hard and keep playing. Players here are talented and fast … But no matter if you're old or young, you can keep playing and it can take you far," said Coonishish in Cree.  

That can also be said about Brooklyn Dixon, at 16 years old, is a rookie for the AlgonCrees.

"We went from playing rez broomball in the streets to the world championship," said Dixon, who is from Waswanipi. 

Dixon played alongside her aunt Amanda Mayappo-Neeposh. 

"At the end of the tournament, that's when it clicked in my head, I really did come this far for broomball. I thought that it's not just broomball, it could be more than that," said Dixon. 

Dixon added that she gained valuable insights from her veteran teammates, including communication, encouragement and perseverance.

Both AlgonCrees and Anishinabe Iskwewak have received invitations from other tournaments across Canada.  

"We were told that if we made it to the bronze medal or gold medal game, we qualify for nationals and elite provincials," said Mayappo-Neeposh. 

Mayappo-Neeposh said the AlgonCrees will work on their speed and endurance while still relying on their strong defence and power shots.

They also aren't showing any sign of slowing down. They have their eyes set on the Provincial Elite tournament in Alma, Que., in March of next year. 

"They're full body contact which is something we're really excited about," said Mayappo-Neeposh.