A Mohawk from the Kahnawake Mohawk Territory, Waneek was behind the lines during the Oka crisis in 1990 when she was stabbed by a Canadian soldier’s bayonet in a near-death experience that marked a turning point in her life.   Waneek has overcome discrimination and violence to emerge as one of North America’s most inspiring female Indigenous speakers, with a compelling perspective, dynamic stories to share and presentations and keynotes that are aimed at bridging the gap and repairing relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. The former co-captain of Canada’s Olympic women’s water polo team, 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. As one of Canada’s 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 business, and was recently named one of Canada’s most influential women in sport by Canadian Women & Sport.