Waneek Horn-Miller

Waneek Horn-Miller

Olympian, Activist, Speaker on Indigenous Health & Reconciliation

At just fourteen, Waneek Horn-Miller was stabbed in the chest by a Canadian soldier while protesting a condo development on traditional Kanien’kehá:ka Mohawk lands. The image of her wounded, holding her young sister, was shared across national media and launched her into the public eye as a symbol of Indigenous struggle. Throughout her life, Waneek Horn-Miller has always stood up for what was right—as a mother, an activist, an athlete, and an entrepreneur. This has entailed hard choices, pain, and sacrifice, but this commitment and drive has made her one of Canada’s most inspiring figures.

On stage, Waneek traces the path from this painful event to the strength depicted in her iconic TIME cover, an image of incredible power, poise and dignity as the first Canadian Mohawk woman to compete in the Olympic games. Her 13-part documentary, “Working It Out Together”, is a healthy-eating initiative with the Aboriginal Peoples’ Television Network that features “dynamic leaders in health advocacy and courageous men and women who are figuring out what it takes to be well and to thrive.” Her work here was recognized with a 2015 DAREarts Cultural Award. Waneek has also taken a leadership role as a Director of Community Engagement for the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. Going forward, undoubtedly Waneek will continue to support communities through fearless advocacy and inspire many as an icon of strength, resilience, versatility, and sport.