Similar to the arduous process of making wampum beads, the journey of Waneek Horn-Miller doesnt begin and end with being an Olympic Water Polo athlete. A Mohawk from the Kahnawake Mohawk Territory near Montreal, Waneek was behind the lines during the Oka crisis in 1990 when she was stabbed by a Canadian soldiers bayonet. It was a near-death experience that marked a turning point in her life. Waneek has overcome discrimination and violence to emerge as one of North Americas most inspiring female Indigenous speakers with a compelling perspective and dynamic stories to share. 

Her presentations and keynotes are aimed at bringing hard truths, real solutions and to help bridging the gap and repairing relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. Waneek is an advocate for building indigenous sport and has worked with the Assembly of First Nations to develop their sport, fitness and health strategy. Drawing on her experiences as the former co-captain of Canada's Olympic women's water polo team, Waneek shares her story and teaches how to build self-esteem through a balance of education and sport. Waneek travels extensively from border to border, speaking to Indigenous and non- indigenous audiences on issues that impact reconciliation, the value of global access to sport and why it is important we must all strive for our dreams

As one of Canadas few Indigenous Olympians, Waneek has used her unique experiences in life and sport combined with a passion for her culture to influence Indigenous and non-Indigenous leadership in sport and wellness, Indigenous business, women in business and community building. The Canadian Association for the Advancement of Women and Sport and Physical Activity recently named her one of Canadas most influential women in sport.If we want reconciliation, for ourselves and our children, it begins within ourselves, that then enables us to have hard conversations, build common ground, and really listen to each other.

Waneek currently works with Indigenous Financial solutions helping their mandate of supporting economic and financial wellbeing in indigenous is communities. She is also finishing up her Masters in kinesiology at the university of British Colombia where she is studying the impacts and strengths of indigenous motivation. Waneek also served as one of the coaches on the first season of CBC's reality competition series, Canada's Ultimate Challenge.