First Nation Hockey
Player Profiles
The roster reflects a rich cross-section of Indigenous nations, with players chosen not only for their skill on the ice but for their leadership off it. Led by Captain Tonya Williams (Ojibway) and guided by coaches Katie Harrington and Elaine Luzano, the team is preparing for a powerful debut in the Tier 2 Women’s Division.
Kristen Smith
Mohawk Nation
Ontario, Canada
“As a Mohawk woman, having the opportunity to represent and take pride in being Ogwehoweh — the original people — through hockey is an honour I will cherish for a lifetime. Our team will show the
strength, resilience, and determination of First Nations women, on and off the ice.”
Shelby Boissoneau
Batchewana First Nation
Ontario, Canada
“Representing my First Nation is a great responsibility. It’s about celebrating our culture and standing as a role model for the generations before and after us. Coming together with these strong Indigenous
women from all over is something truly special."
Olivia Fern Tucker
Choctaw Nation
Oregon, USA
“I grew up not knowing much about my Indigenous roots. But when I started playing hockey in Canada, Indigenous women welcomed me like family. Because of them, I began reconnecting with my Choctaw
identity. Hockey is how I reclaim that culture — and inspire others in the U.S. who don’t feel ‘Native enough’ to stand proud. There is no such thing."
Danielle Riley
Chippewas
Ontario, Canada
“As a goalie, I’m representing my community, honoring those who came before me, and showing young
Indigenous girls that they belong here too. This isn’t just about hockey. It’s about pride and being part of
something bigger than myself. Let’s work hard, play hard, and never forget to have fun!”
Dakota Nadon
Cree
Quebec, Canada
“It is really an honour to represent my people — Cree, Ojibway, and Algonquin. Hockey is loved on every
reserve and both sides of my family. As someone with Generalized Anxiety Disorder, these opportunities
help me grow. I hope to make a pathway for other young female goalies to follow.”
Natalie Barrett
Siuslaw
Oregon, USA
“I carry the name and spirit of my people onto the ice. We play not just for ourselves, but for those who
came before us and those who will come after. It’s about dignity, strength, and showcasing the presence
of our nations to the world.”
Joe Miskokomon
Chief of the Chippewas of the Thames First Nation
“We are incredibly proud of Danielle Riley for being selected to represent not only Chippewas of the Thames First Nation but all indigenous women in sport. Her dedication, courage, and leadership on the ice reflect the strength and spirit of our community. As she competes at the Amerigol LATAM Cup, Danielle carries with her the dreams and pride of our Nation. She is a role model to many- especially to our young people – showing them that they, too, can rise to any challenge and make history.”
Tonya Williams
Chippewa
Michigan & Florida, USA
To me, playing hockey and representing my Chippewa community is an honor that goes far beyond the rink. I know when I lace up my skates for the Latam Cup, I will carry the strength, pride, and resilience of my ancestors with me.
Holly Laforme
Ojibway
Ontario, Canada
I see this as an opportunity to continue embodying passion, dedication and the possibility to the youth in my community...I hope to bring pride as well to my friends and other community members as I continue to walk the Anishinaabeyaadiziwin Miikana and do things that feed my spirit.
Jennifer Anderson
Choctaw (Chahta)
Oregon, USA
The opportunity to connect to my Choctaw culture while playing a sport that was my community while I journeyed to my identity as a Choctaw in incredible. To know that my ancestors resilience has led me to this moment and that our team will be the future ancestors that took a first step on a path that many more can follow, is a humbling and healing experience.
Holly Laforme (Ojibway)
"I see this as an opportunity to continue embodying passion, dedication and possibility to the youth in my
community. For me, Hockey has always been a way to find a calm mind within movement, but its also
provided me with an outlet to process energy that isn’t always beautiful or feminine and turn it into a
fire that fuels my competitive and physical edge on the ice. I hope to bring pride as well to my friends,
family and other community members as I continue to walk the Anishinaabeyaadiziwin Miikana and do
things that feed my spirit. Beyond my community, I get to make meaningful lifelong connections with
other strong Indigenous women from all over turtle island. I believe that connection, respect and love is
at the centre of everything we are and I couldn’t be more proud to represent and be apart of that during
this tournament."
Taiann Alexis Devine
Kainai
Alberta, Canada
Cayla Rose Wesley
Chippewa
Alberta, Canada
Karen Ota-O'Brien
Simpcw
Florida, USA
&
British Columbia, Canada
Dakota Sage
Jayme Sky
Cayuga
Ontario, Canada
Kylene Williams
Cayuga
Ontario, Canada