Waneek Horn-Miller is a full blooded Mohawk from the Kahnawake Mohawk Territory located on the south shore of Montreal. Born third of four daughters to single mother Kahn-tineta Horn, she follows a high standard set by her mother and older sisters. Her oldest sister Ojistoh is currently in her third year of medical school at the University of British Colombia and her sister Kahente is entering the PhD program of Anthropology at Concordia in the fall. Her little sister Kaniehti:io is already making a name for her self in her Professional Arts program at Dawson College in Montreal. Some of Waneek’s biggest supporters are her nieces Karonhioko:he, Kanentienentha, Tekanonhorens, Kokowa and Ionaterison.
In 1990 Waneek was behind the lines during the Oka Crisis and was stabbed by a Canadian soldier on September 26th, 1990 at the end of the siege. Waneek turned this life changing experience into a way to empower her on her road to her dream of competing in the Olympic games as she had seen fellow Mohawk Alwyn Morris do in 1984. Since childhood Waneek always found an outlet in sports. She found that she could compete with other kids on a more level playing field where she would be judged for her ability rather than the colour of her skin. She began playing waterpolo at the age of 13, following a six year competitive swimming and running career. Waneek’s athletic career jumped into high gear when she made the Junior National Waterpolo team in 1994. This began a nine year career both on the Junior and Senior National teams.
Waneek completed her Bachelor of Political Science from Carleton University in 2000. She has traveled extensively throughout Canada speaking to native and non-native kids about her experience both in and out of sport. She plans to head back to school to complete her personal training certificate and a Doctor of Naturopathy.
Highlights of her career include:
1992-1993 Sacred Run Participant
Three time Carleton University Athlete of the year
MVP of Senior Women’s Nationals 1999
Five time participant of the North American Indigenous Games
1999 Pan American Champion
2000 Co-Captain of the Sydney Olympic Team
2001 Bronze Medalist at the FINA World Championships
