A Journey in Archery and Indigenous Leadership

Waasayahbetong Munro-Soldier, born in 2008 and hailing from Winnipeg, Manitoba, is a rising star in the world of compound archery, competing in both target and 3D events. Proudly representing Swan Lake First Nation and Fox Lake Cree Nation, Waasayah is a dedicated member of the 2024 Manitoba 3D Archery Team and the 2024 Manitoba Target Archery Team. 

Her journey is adorned with achievements that highlight her exceptional skills and commitment to the sport. In 2023, she was honoured as the Female 3D Archer of the Year by Archery Manitoba, and she also received the prestigious Sport Manitoba Achievement Award. The same year, Waasayah secured a Gold Medal in the U18 Female Compound category at the Indoor 3D Manitoba Provincials. She continued to shine at the 2023 North American Indigenous Games, earning a Bronze Medal in the U16 Female Compound 3D Archery event. 

Waasayah's prowess extends beyond individual accomplishments as she became a vital part of Team Manitoba, being selected for both the Provincial 3D Archery Team and the Provincial Target Team in 2023 and 2024. Her contributions were acknowledged with the Award of Merit and the Sport Manitoba Award of Sports Excellence at the Archery Manitoba Annual Awards. Additionally, she received the "Women to Watch" Sport Grant from Sport Manitoba, recognizing her potential as a rising star in the world of archery. 

The year 2022 saw Waasayah continuing her winning streak, being crowned the 2021 Female 3D Archer of the Year by Archery Manitoba. She clinched Bronze Medals in the Female Cub Compound category at both the 3D Canadian National Championships and the Indoor Target Regionals organized by Archery Canada. 

Her commitment and excellence have not gone unnoticed outside the archery arena. In 2022, she received the Indigenous Leadership Award from Elmwood High School and was recognized as the March Athlete of the Month by the Manitoba Aboriginal Sports Recreation Council. 

Waasayah's journey began to draw attention on a national level in 2021 when she secured a Gold Medal in the Cub Female Compound category at the Open 3D Provincial Championships. She was the lone female representing Team Manitoba on the Provincial 3D Archery Team in 2022. Elmwood High School acknowledged her leadership with the Indigenous Leadership Award, and she also received the Elmwood Giants Award for Perseverance. 

Even in 2020, at a young age, Waasayah showcased her dominance in archery by securing Gold Medals at the Manitoba Provincial Field Championships and the Manitoba Provincial Indoor and Outdoor Target Championships in the Female Pre-Cub Compound category. Her outstanding performances resulted in her ranking second nationally in both Indoor and Outdoor Target events organized by Archery Canada. 

Waasayah's achievements have not only been confined to the archery field but have transcended into the media spotlight. In January 2024, she graced CTV Morning Live with a live on-air interview, discussing 3D archery and Indigenous participation, and CityTV News during the 2nd Annual Ribbon Skirt Day showcasing her involvement in Indigenous cultural events. 

Her media presence extends to 2023, where she was featured in an on-air interview for the North American Indigenous Games on Radio Noon Manitoba, CBC News. CBC Kids News also dedicated an athlete profile to Waasayah, highlighting her ambitions and achievements in the 2023 North American Indigenous Games. Local publications, such as Treherne Times and Kootenay Teen News, have also recognized her contributions and success. 

In 2022, Waasayah's story gained national attention with features on CBC Kids News, APTN News, and CBC News. Her involvement in cultural events, like the Ceremonial First Pitch with Treaty One Development Corporation and Winnipeg Goldeyes Baseball, showcased her commitment to representing her heritage. 

Waasayah is not only an exceptional athlete but also a leader and mentor. Since April 2023, she has served as an Assistant Coach for Archery Manitoba, where she assists Level 1 students with the biomechanics and technical aspects of archery. She ensures safety guidelines are followed and contributes to lesson plans under the guidance of the Head Coach. 

In August 2023, Waasayah participated in the Winnipeg Aboriginal Sports Achievement Centre's (WASAC) Youth Achievement Program as an apprentice. This Indigenous youth program focuses on skill development, employability skills, certifications, and leadership training. 

Her expertise in archery has also been sought after in the entertainment industry. As an Archery Consultant for Kistikan Productions & Buffalo Gal Productions in July 2023 for CTV’s comedy series, "Acting Good, Season 2." And April 2020, she instructed television actors on proper form and technique with a recurve bow and arrow for the Amazon Prime Video’s 10-part science fiction series, "Tales from the Loop." 

In addition to her sporting and coaching achievements, Waasayah has dedicated time to education and training. She completed Aboriginal Coaching Modules, Respect in the Workplace, CPR & First Aid Training, Making Ethical Decisions, and achieved Level 1 Instructor of Beginner Archer certification, through the Winnipeg Aboriginal Sports Achievement Centre and Archery Manitoba. 

Waasayah extends her influence beyond sports; she is a volunteer, actively engaging in community events. She served as an Assistant Coach for Archery Demonstrations at "First Flight with Archery Manitoba" in February 2024 and "Sports Day with Sport Manitoba" in January 2024. She continues to answer the call to volunteer and mentor beginner archers in the community. 

Currently enrolled in Grade 10 at Elmwood High School, Waasayah has earned a place on the Honour Roll for English and Dramatic Arts. 

In summary, Waasayahbetong Munro-Soldier is not only an accomplished athlete in compound archery but also a cultural ambassador, a dedicated coach, and an emerging leader in her community. Her journey reflects resilience, dedication, and a deep connection to her Ojibwe and Cree roots, making her a role model for aspiring athletes and community leaders alike. As she continues to evolve in her pursuits, Waasayah remains committed to fostering inclusivity, cultural pride, and excellence in the world of archery and beyond.

COMPETITION & AWARD PROFILE

SPORT: Compound Archery-Target & 3D  

COMMUNITIES: Swan Lake First Nation & Fox Lake Cree Nation 

HOMETOWN: Winnipeg, Manitoba  

CURRENT MEMBER: 2024 Manitoba 3D Archery Team & 2024 Manitoba Target Archery Team 

2024 

• 2023 Female 3D Archer of Year, Archery Manitoba 
• Sport Manitoba Achievement Award, Archery Manitoba Annual Awards 

2023 

• Gold Medal, U18 Female Compound, Indoor 3D Manitoba Provincials 
• Bronze Medal, U16 Female Compound, 3D Archery, 2023 North American Indigenous Games 
• Team Manitoba Select, 2024 Provincial 3D Archery Team, Archery Manitoba 
• Team Manitoba Select, 2024 Provincial Target Team, Archery Manitoba 
• Award of Merit, Archery Manitoba Annual Awards 
• Sport Manitoba Award of Sports Excellence, Archery Manitoba Annual Awards 
• Award Recipient, “Women to Watch” Sport Grant, Sport Manitoba 

2022

• 2021 Female 3D Archer of the Year, Archery Manitoba 
• Bronze Medal, Female Cub Compound, 3D Canadian National Championships, Archery Canada 
• Bronze Medal, Female Cub Compound, Indoor Target Regionals, Archery Canada 
• Team Manitoba Select, 2023 Provincial 3D Archery Team, Archery Manitoba 
• Team Manitoba Select, U16 Female Compound, 3D Archery, 2023 North American Indigenous Games 
• Ranked 3^rd Nationally, Female Cub Compound, Indoor Target, Archery Canada 
• Ranked 3^rd Nationally, Female Cub Compound, Outdoor Target, Archery Canada 
• Indigenous Leadership Award, Elmwood High School 
• March Athlete of the Month, Manitoba Aboriginal Sports Recreation Council 

2021

• Gold Medal, Cub Female Compound, Open 3D Provincial Championships 
• Team Manitoba Select, 2022 Provincial 3D Archery Team (lone female) 
• Indigenous Leadership Award, Elmwood High School 
• Elmwood Giants Award for Perseverance, Elmwood High School 
• Nominee, Female Athlete of the Year, Manitoba Aboriginal Sports & Recreation Council 

2020  

• Gold Medal, Female Pre-Cub Compound, Manitoba Provincial Field Championships 
• Gold Medal, Female Pre-Cub Compound, Manitoba Provincial Indoor Target Championships 
• Silver Medal, Female Pre-Cub Compound, Manitoba Provincial Outdoor Target Championships 
• Team Manitoba Invite, 2021 Provincial Target Team 
• Ranked 2nd Nationally, Female Pre-Cub Compound, Indoor Target, Archery Canada 
• Ranked 2nd Nationally, Female Pre-Cub Compound, Outdoor Target, Archery Canada 

2019

• Gold Medal, Female Pre-Cub Compound, Manitoba Provincial Indoor Target Championships 
• Gold Medal, Female Pre-Cub Compound, Manitoba Provincial Outdoor Target Championships 
• Silver Medal, Female Pre-Cub Compound, Manitoba Provincial Outdoor 3D Championships 
• Team Manitoba Select, U16 Female 3D Archery, 2020 North American Indigenous Games 
• December Athlete of the Month, Manitoba Aboriginal Sports & Recreation Council