Following a Sports Junkie

Courtney Iahtail Contributor

Motivated by her athleticism, Courtney Iahtail made the decision to say goodbye to her family in Attawapiskat at 14 and jetted south to Timmins this past fall to pursue her high school education and, more importantly to her, to seek out more opportunities in sport.

“My mother encouraged me to go to school in Timmins,” said the Grade 9 Timmins High and Vocational School student. “Ever since my first day of school, I was like ‘wow.’ I really love it here.”

Iahtail moved in with relatives on her father’s side of the family and is especially happy that she has now has access to more and varied sporting and social activities then she “ever did back home.

“It’s been eight years since I started playing hockey,” said the Blue Heron Hi-Flyers forward. “I love to play hockey. Being part of the team allows me to play in tournaments in different cities.”  

Attawapiskat’s Courtney Faith IAHTAIL, 14, made a personal decision to leave her First Nation to move south to pursue her high school education and to access sporting opportunities not available in her community.

Her decision, she said, has allowed her to meet people, build friendships and grow as an individual.

“I am also involved on the (high school) volleyball team,” she said. “I love getting involved in those kinds of activities because it allows me to help others achieve success.”

Iahtail says her life has certainly changed since being away from home to achieve her education.

“I find that I have a lot of advantages staying here in Timmins to live and go to school as opposed to living back home, there was nothing much to do, my home is very isolated,” she said. “The only option (for me) was to move and get an education and live life.”  

So moved by her positive experience, Iahtail had this to say to the youth of her generation who are considering their high school education:

“Never give up on pursing your high school education,” she said. “You will have lots of activities and advantages to take part of while in school.  Never let anyone or anything get in the way of getting your education.”

While she keeps herself busy on her off time working on her homework, going to practices or tournaments and spending time with friends and family, Iahtail is not only living in the moment.

“I’m considering pursuing a university education to study to become a teacher,” she said. “Of course I’d also like to study in the electronics field.”

Reaching out to achieve what she wants has, so far, been a great experience for Iahtail and she’s now encouraging others to do the same.

“I chose to go to school because I want to succeed in life and learn new things as I go,” she said. “I have faith in my fellow peers that they can succeed as well. By going to school, you have the opportunity to graduate to continue on to college and/or university. For the youth that read the Seven Youth Magazine, I believe in each and every one of you.”