National Truth and Reconciliation Day is more than just a date on the calendar; it is a day for Canadians to reflect, learn, and honor the experiences of Indigenous communities. At Holland College, we are proud to have student-athletes like Madelyn Tomyn and Owen Parsons, who embrace their heritage and share their unique perspectives as Indigenous athletes. Their stories remind us of the importance of representation, resilience, and unity within the sporting community and beyond.
Madelyn Tomyn, a proud Ojibway First Nation from M'Chigeeng, Ontario, was raised in Saskatchewan but has maintained strong ties to her family and community back in Ontario.
As a member of the women’s volleyball team, Madelyn has brought her heritage into the gym and beyond. “My heritage is a part of my identity that I am very proud of,” she shares. “It has a huge impact on how I view the world and what my beliefs are. I was taught to value family and friendship, how I interact with Earth, and what kind of impact I can make in my community.”
For Madelyn, being an Indigenous athlete is about more than just personal success. It’s about representing her community and being a role model for other young Indigenous athletes.
“Sport is a great avenue to show what athletes can look like and what kind of impact a person can make by being themselves,” she says. “I’ve been fortunate enough to attend sporting events that represent the Indigenous community in Canada and to connect our culture in new, different, and exciting ways.”
Madelyn acknowledges that the journey hasn’t always been easy.
“As an Indigenous woman, I have faced many adversities simply by existing,” she explains. “Though I believe I continue to overcome obstacles by embracing who I am, knowing that nothing can take that away.”
She honors the many Indigenous women and communities who never received the opportunities she has today, and she feels a deep sense of responsibility to use her platform to make a difference.
“I embrace the changes that have been made in the world toward the Indigenous community of Canada, and I take my best shot to represent this change by attending post-secondary, excelling in my academics, playing collegiate-level volleyball, and being a good-hearted person.”
Throughout her sports career, Madelyn’s family has been her foundation.
“They’ve been there for me no matter what—whether it was driving hours to watch, cheering from the bleachers, watching live streams, or making posters,” she shares. “They’ve only ever been supportive.”
The strong sports community in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, where she grew up, also played a key role in her development as an athlete. Surrounded by highly respected athletes, coaches, and administrators, she learned to strive to represent her community with pride, demonstrating what Indigenous athletes can achieve.
For Madelyn, National Truth and Reconciliation Day is deeply personal. It represents the separation she has experienced from her community and the disconnection of culture and language that Indigenous youth often face.
“It is a day to learn, honor, and respect—to remember the lives of young children, the suffering of families, and the overall culture loss because of residential schools,” she reflects. “Sports can play a powerful role in promoting Truth and Reconciliation in Canada by creating a safe and comfortable place where athletes can learn from each other and build bridges that break down barriers.”
Her advice to young Indigenous athletes is to try new things and stay resilient in whatever they choose to do. “Be vulnerable and open to change, especially in new environments. Find a good support system that you can depend on through the ups and downs in sport, and always keep a positive attitude,” she shares.
Madelyn’s story is one of courage and determination, and she hopes to continue making her family, her community, and her peers proud.
Owen Parsons, a men’s basketball player at Holland College, also draws strength and inspiration from his Indigenous background. Owen’s father is Inuit from Labrador, and his mother is Métis from Alberta, and their pride in their heritage has instilled in him a strong sense of identity and purpose.
“Both of my parents are very proud of their heritage,” he says, and this pride is something Owen carries with him every day, both on and off the court.
Owen’s cultural identity has provided him with unique opportunities to participate in Indigenous sporting events, such as the North American Indigenous Games, where he has been able to represent his heritage and showcase his talents.
From an early age, his family and community in Hebbville, Nova Scotia, supported him in his basketball career. “I started playing basketball in Hebbville Academy in Grade 6 and continued into high school, university, and now college,” he recalls. “I had various coaches who inspired and helped me along the way.”
While Owen has been fortunate not to face prejudice in his sports career, he knows that his role as an Indigenous athlete can have a significant impact. “As far as I know, I am one of the few Indigenous basketball players at the university or college level,” he shares. “With hard work and dedication, it can be done. I want to show other Indigenous youth that it doesn’t matter who you are or where you’re from—you can achieve your goals.”
Owen’s story is one of perseverance and staying true to his roots.
“Hard work and determination are values I learned from my Indigenous background and my family,” he shares. “Respect for my coaches and teammates was taught to me at an early age.”
He credits these teachings for helping him through challenging moments in his athletic and academic career and hopes to use his platform to promote these values within the Indigenous community and beyond.
For Owen, National Truth and Reconciliation Day is a time to reflect on the hardships that Indigenous communities have faced in the past and to honor his ancestors. “It’s a time to think about my ancestors who may have suffered hardship in the past,” he says.
Through sports, Owen sees an opportunity to promote acceptance and unity. “Sport can teach unity and acceptance through team building. It brings people from diverse backgrounds together and teaches us to respect each other’s differences.”
Owen also sees himself as a role model for other Indigenous youth. “I hope my story can inspire others,” he says. He wants young athletes to see that success is possible with hard work and dedication, regardless of their background.
Both Owen and Madelyn understand the power of representation and the impact their stories can have on the next generation of Indigenous athletes. They are using their platforms not only to excel in their sports but also to advance the conversation around Indigenous representation and reconciliation in athletics.
Their message is clear: stay resilient, be proud of who you are, and use every opportunity to make your voice heard.
As we celebrate National Truth and Reconciliation Day, we honor the stories of Madelyn, Owen, and countless others who have overcome adversity and embraced their identities. Their strength and determination remind us of the importance of resilience, community, and the ongoing journey toward reconciliation.
Madelyn and Owen’s voices echo the message of Truth and Reconciliation: to remember, to honor, and to build a better future together. Through sport, they are breaking down barriers, creating inclusive spaces, and showing us what it means to be true ambassadors of their heritage.
Catch Madelyn and Owen this season in ACAA volleyball and basketball action on PEI, and across the region. For schedules and stats, visit www.acaa.ca.
Connect with the women’s volleyball ‘Canes at www.x.com/caneswvball and www.instagram.com/caneswvball.
Connect with the men’s basketball ‘Canest at www.x.com/canesmbball and www.instagram.com/hurricanesbball.
For more information on the Holland Hurricanes, visit www.hollandhurricanes.com, www.facebook.com/hollandhurricanes, www.x.com/hc_hurricanes and www.instagram.com/hollandhurricanes.
-30-
140 Weymouth Street, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada C1A 4Z1
Tel: 1-800-446-5265 | Fax: 902-629-4239