Waneek Horn-Miller facts for kids
Horn-Miller in 2021
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| Born | November 30, 1975 Kahnawake, Quebec |
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| Spouse(s) | Keith Morgan | |||||||||||||||||||
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| Sport | Water polo | |||||||||||||||||||
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Medal record
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Waneek Horn-Miller, born on November 30, 1975, is a famous Canadian water polo player. She comes from the Kahnawake Mohawk Territory. Waneek was a key member of the Canadian women's water polo team. They won a gold medal at the 1999 Pan American Games in Winnipeg.
Waneek Horn-Miller made history as the first Mohawk woman from Canada to compete in the Olympic Games. In 2019, she was honored with the Order of Sport. This special award meant she was inducted into Canada's Sports Hall of Fame. As a teenager, Waneek became a well-known figure for First Nations issues. She was injured during a protest at the end of the 78-day Oka Crisis.
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Amazing Sporting Achievements
Waneek Horn-Miller was a very important player for the Canadian women's water polo team. They won gold at the 1999 Pan Am Games. Waneek was even voted the Most Valuable Player (MVP). She became a co-captain and led her team at the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney. This was the first time women's water polo was included in the Olympics. Her team finished fifth in Sydney.
In 2000, Waneek received a National Aboriginal Achievement Award. This award recognized her achievements as a young person. She also helped Canada win a bronze medal at the 2001 FINA World Championships. Waneek was known for her strong competitive spirit. She also had a very powerful shooting arm.
After nine years on the national team, Waneek left the program. There were some disagreements within the team. Later, her coaches and teammates received special training. This training helped them understand different cultures better.
Early Athletic Life
Waneek Horn-Miller started her sports journey as a swimmer. She began swimming competitively at just 7 years old. She later switched to water polo while attending Carleton University in Ottawa. There, she studied political science. Waneek was a top athlete at Carleton. She was named athlete of the year three times. She is also a member of the Carleton Ravens Hall of Fame.
Between 1990 and 1997, Waneek took part in the North American Indigenous Games. She won more than 20 gold medals at these games. One of her gold medals was even for rifle shooting!
In 1999, Waneek won the national Tom Longboat Award. This award celebrates Indigenous athletes. It recognizes their amazing contributions to sports in Canada. In 2006, Waneek was chosen as a torchbearer. She carried the torch for the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin, Italy.
Inspiring Professional Career
In 2008, Waneek Horn-Miller worked as a broadcaster for CBC Sports. She covered the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing.
In 2011, Waneek partnered with the Aboriginal Peoples' Television Network. They launched a health and fitness program. It was called "Working It Out Together." The show followed six Mohawk people as they worked to improve their health.
Waneek Horn-Miller is also a popular motivational speaker. In 2014, she spoke to 18,000 young people. They came from over 1,000 schools across North America. She spoke at WE Day in Toronto. Her message was about overcoming challenges. She also talked about making positive changes in Indigenous communities. Waneek works to fight against unfair treatment. She helps young Indigenous athletes achieve their dreams.
She is a role model for young Mohawk people. She encourages them to work hard and be determined. Waneek was inspired by Mohawk Olympian Alwyn Morris. Following his advice, she shares her achievements. She hopes to inspire others to reach for their own dreams.
In 2014, Waneek was chosen for a special role. She became an assistant chef de mission for the Canadian team. This team competed at the 2015 Pan American Games. In this volunteer role, she mentored athletes. She also promoted the Pan Am Games. She worked with sports groups to make sure athletes' needs were met.
In 2015, Waneek was named one of Canada's most influential women in sport. This honor came from the Canadian Association for Advancement of Women and Sport.
Waneek also worked as an ambassador for Nike's Native American program, Nike N7. She is currently a brand ambassador for Manitobah Mukluks. She also directs their Storyboot School. In 2019, she received the Order of Sport. This marked her induction into Canada's Sports Hall of Fame.
In 2024, Waneek Horn-Miller was selected as a host. She joined the Primetime Panel on CBC during the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.
Personal Life
Waneek Horn-Miller was born in Montreal, Quebec. Her mother is Kahn-Tineta Horn, a former model and First Nations activist. Her father is George Miller, a Mohawk educator. Waneek is also the half-sister of actress Kaniehtiio Horn.
When she was 14, Waneek was present at the Oka Crisis. She spent weeks in the protest camp. Her mother was working as a negotiator during that time.
See also
- Canada women's Olympic water polo team records and statistics
- List of World Aquatics Championships medalists in water polo
