Creating a lifetime of memories; Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation athletes Mikal and Mikeal Bird look forward to 2023 Indigenous Games

By: Jordan LaPlante

Young Indigenous athletes and twin brothers Mikal and Mikeal say they are eager to prove to people that anything is possible with hard work and determination.

Starting at a young age, they soaked in all the knowledge they could, learning from their own coaches and teachers as they grew up striving to be respectful individuals. The two are filled with energy and motivation, knowing that one day as young adults that they could very well do the same: being great athletes and leaders.

Mikal and Mikeal come from Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation and will say they will represent their roots any way they can. Also, the two want to inspire others as they go along.

Mikal and Mikeal both participated in the 2022 Tony Cote Summer Games. As a result, they brought more status to their game and medals for their cabinet. It’s an experience the two say they will never forget - taking pride in their performance and repre - senting Battleford Agency Tribal Council (BATC) colours, which is their home district.

“The pride I felt was unbelievable,” Mikal Bird tells Indigenous Times.

Admittedly, the Summer Games were a bit nerve wrecking for Mikal and Mikeal. They acknowledge the scene was overwhelming, but they continued to engage the audience by showing off their skills and ability. They say they love the competitiveness that comes with these events.

The twin brothers both possess their own favourite sport. Mikal Bird wants to gain more experience in basketball and says he will never forget what he learned from his Grade 7 basketball coach, Mr. Gibson. He says his father always was courtside rooting for him and always being his main supporter and biggest fan. Mikal continues to focus on improving his game as a basketball player, knowing his studies are just as important. But he says his dream is to play for Lakeland College.

Mikal’s twin brother, Mikeal also shows great interest in sports. But Mikeal dreams of hockey. He knows it will take hard work and perseverance. He idolizes local Indigenous athletes such as Indigenous basketball star Michael Linklater, who also is from Saskatchewan. Mikeal admits any sport will help him build great sportsmanship and strength, and he strives to stay highly motivated to show his friends and fans he can and will play the game of hockey very well. Mikeal carries a mindset to attend University either as an athlete and a student, knowing if the opportunity comes, he will run with it.

“I take a lot of pride when I’m playing any sport,” Mikeal says. “As one of the only indigenous players out there I wanna help motivate other young indigenous men to do the same. To be the best they can be and to work hard and stay positive.”

Mikal and Mikeal plan on being the best athletes they can be, committing themselves to local tournaments and leagues. They work hard to set the bar high by challenging themselves and being aware the key to success is teamwork, talent, and dedication. Both, Mikal and Mikeal, look forward to the year 2023, hopefully being able to represent Team Saskatchewan in the North American Indigenous Games that will take place in Nova Scotia. They both agree that any chance they get to meet new people and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Written By : Jody Wolverine

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