Cheyenne Simicak: Finding Belonging and Connection Through Sport
Jun 21, 2025
On June 21, National Indigenous Peoples Day, we celebrate Cheyenne Simicak’s story — one of resilience, discovery, and the enduring power of sport to connect us to our inner self, our communities, and our roots.
For Cheyenne Simicak, sport has always been more than just a game — it’s been a way for her to grow, ground herself, and find a deeper connection to who she is.
Cheyenne’s sport journey began at the age of four, when she first picked up a baseball glove at Newton Canadian Baseball Association. For years, she balanced both baseball and softball, along with umpiring and coaching. Among her proudest accomplishments are winning gold at the 2019 16U Girls Canadian Baseball Championship, the 2023 WCSA Championship with UBCO, and the 2024 21U Women’s Canadian Baseball Championship.
The journey hasn’t come without challenges, particularly with mental health. “There were times I felt unworthy and stuck. But sport helped me regain confidence. It reminded me that mistakes are part of the game — and of life.”
In 2022, her passion led her to Kelowna, where she joined the University of British Columbia Okanagan (UBCO) Heat Women’s Softball team, stepping into a new chapter of academics and athletics. Now heading into her fourth season, Cheyenne reflects on how sport has been her foundation through life’s highs and lows. “Whether I’m frustrated, happy, sad, or angry — every emotion leads me to the field. It’s where I feel the most.”
Sport has also played a powerful role in her journey of discovering her cultural connection. Her father was adopted at a young age, and he was never introduced to his Indigenous roots, which made it difficult for Cheyenne to connect to her Indigenous background. “There weren’t many resources or other Indigenous kids around me when I was growing up,” she says. “I started to feel out of place, like I didn’t belong.”
Everything changed in 2023, when she competed in the North American Indigenous Games (NAIG). Being surrounded by Indigenous athletes from across the continent sparked something new. “It didn’t matter whether I knew everything about my background — I felt a sense of belonging I had never experienced before,” she shares. “That environment gave me the confidence and reassurance that I was right where I belong.”
Today, Cheyenne is working toward a degree in Health and Exercise Sciences, with plans to pursue a career in athletic therapy. She also hopes to continue coaching, a role that brings her joy and a sense of purpose. “Watching kids build friendships, laugh, and grow into confident adults — that’s what it’s all about.”
To young Indigenous athletes, Cheyenne offers this advice: “If you want it, go get it. Even if you’re the only one who believes you can, that’s enough. And surround yourself with people who share your values — that’s your built-in support system.”
