Hello! My name is Savannah DeBray, and I’m proud to call the small town of Duck Lake my home. I’m 28-years-old and fortunate to share my life with my twin sibling, which has been a special bond since birth. Family means the world to me — I’m grateful to be an amazing partner and be a loving stepparent to a rambunctious little boy who brings so much joy and energy into our lives.
Growing up in a close-knit community has shaped who I am today, teaching me the values of kindness, resilience and connection. I have a deep passion for traditional practices like beading and smudging, which keep me connected to my culture and heritage.
Looking ahead, one of my biggest goals is to help young people get involved in sport, encouraging them to build confidence, teamwork and healthy lifestyles. I believe that sport can be a powerful tool for youth empowerment, community building and personal development, and I’m excited to contribute to that journey.
How did you get involved in sport?
Growing up in rural Saskatchewan, there were limited opportunities available for Indigenous athletes. To keep myself engaged and active, I turned to sport as a positive outlet and a way to stay out of the cycle of addiction. Throughout high school, I was a dedicated multisport athlete, participating in every sport offered at my school. I competed in team sports such as basketball, volleyball and soccer, as well as individual sports including badminton, table tennis and track and field.
As an adult living in the city, I have broadened my athletic pursuits to include contact sports such as football and rugby. Throughout my athletic journey, my twin sister has been my greatest competitor and motivator. We continuously pushed each other to improve and excel, and our friendly rivalry helped me develop a strong competitive spirit and discipline.
What are some of your highlights from your sports career?
Throughout my sports career, I have achieved several notable accomplishments. In 2014, I competed in both the Saskatchewan Winter Games for table tennis and the North American Indigenous Games (NAIG) for soccer. As a goalie in the soccer tournament, I maintained shutouts throughout every game until the final, where we narrowly lost with a score of 1-0. More recently, in 2023, I was hounored with the Offensive Lineman Rookie Award for the Regina Riot women’s football team, as well as Rookie of the Year awards for both the Regina Rugby Union and the Regina Rage Rugby Club team.
What does National Indigenous History Month mean to you?
National Indigenous History Month is important for educating people about our traditions and raising awareness of our rights. It provides a platform for Indigenous voices to be heard, respected and included within society, promoting progress toward reconciliation. The month helps acknowledge and address past injustices without overlooking or attempting to erase the experiences that have often been marginalized or misrepresented in mainstream media.
As an Indigenous athlete, it can be challenging to be recognized as a strong competitor. There is a constant need to prove your worth and demonstrate why you belong. Often, this involves relocating or traveling to larger cities away from your hometown to gain more experience and access higher-level training. This journey can be mentally taxing and impact not only physical health but also spiritual well-being, as being away from home can make it difficult to maintain a connection to Indigenous roots.
What advice do you have for other young people?
Some advice I would offer is to be your most authentic self. Remember to focus on the process rather than solely on the outcome. You will not always win games, gain friendships, or receive the coach’s attention, but it is important to play to improve your own self-worth. Stay consistent and be patient. Keep showing up for yourself and trust that the effort you put in now will pay off in the future.
Finding balance in life is essential. While sports are important, remember that school, friends, family and other hobbies also contribute to your happiness and help you stay well-rounded during the off-season. Stay connected spiritually; maintaining a clear mind and healing your body will help you overcome internal fears and anxiety.
Learn from your mistakes and, above all, have fun. Everyone makes mistakes and experiences losses sometimes. As long as you are enjoying yourself and come back twice as strong, you will develop a deep love for sport and the friendships that accompany it.
Are you able to incorporate pieces of your Indigenous culture into your sports journey/experience?
Throughout high school, it was easier to practice many of my cultural teachings because I attended a small-town school where the majority of the student population was Indigenous. This environment allowed me to feel supported and connected to my heritage through shared traditions and values. However, after moving to the city and participating in sports alongside athletes from diverse ethnic backgrounds, I encountered new challenges. Bringing up Indigenous practices and cultural teachings in these settings was sometimes met with misunderstanding or resistance. It was difficult at times to openly express my identity without facing potential backlash or conflict within the team dynamic.
Despite these challenges, I remain committed to honouring my culture in all aspects of my life, including my athletic pursuits. As an adult playing contact sports such as football and rugby, I make a conscious effort to incorporate Indigenous teachings through pre-game rituals, including prayer and, when appropriate, smudging. These practices help ground me spiritually and mentally, providing strength and focus before competition. I carry my heritage with me not only through language but also through the ways my identity is visible and recognized by others.
In addition to embracing my Indigenous roots, I proudly identify as a member of the 2SLGBTQ+ community. I believe that visibility and representation are crucial in creating inclusive and supportive spaces within sports. As such, I actively advocate for greater recognition of women in sport, highlighting the achievements and contributions of female athletes who often do not receive the publicity they deserve. Through this advocacy, I hope to inspire others to embrace their full identities and break down barriers in traditionally male-dominated sports.
Balancing these identities and roles has not always been easy, but it has strengthened my resolve to be authentic and to use my platform to uplift others. By sharing my experiences and standing confidently in my truth, I aim to foster understanding, respect, and inclusion both on and off the field.
