Spotlight: Monique Smith brings wrestling to northern communities

Contracted by NTHSSA through Northern Counseling and Therapeutic Services (NCTS), Monique Smith is a counselor who has volunteered after work and through school to help establish a wrestling program in Ulukhaktok, Gameti and Wekweètì. After reaching out to Sport North, her goal is for students from every school to compete in the Arctic Winter Games and the North American Indigenous Games.

“I approached this endeavor with the realization that the more points of contact I have with students outside of the counseling center, the more opportunities I have to strengthen trust in the students/the community. I also believe in the power of play and that participating in sports can greatly improve mental health. As a former varsity wrestler, sport has played a big part in my life, so I enjoy sharing my love of sport with others. “

Her desire to bring wrestling to northern communities comes from Leah Ferguson, Monique’s best friend, who represented Canada in wrestling at the 2012 London Olympics and helped establish wrestling programs with Indigenous communities in Manitoba.

Monique started coaching wrestling practices in Ulukhaktok last year with the support of the principal and two teachers interested in assistant coaching. “It was a great result and there was a lot of enthusiasm!”

Sport North and Monique saw initial success in introducing wrestling to students in the community and received a grant for wrestling mats which have now been brought to Ulukhaktok. “To create a sustainable model in Ulukhaktok, I use Leah’s model of teaching non-wrestlers how to coach wrestling and the ‘Power of Play’ model to help athletes train. To that end, I already have two local teachers willing to help with wrestling practice, an RCMP member’s wife Kait Unger (a former college basketball player) who is willing to teach athletic skills, and a local from the community who shared that He would love to be a wrestling coach even though he can’t wrestle. I told him I’d love to work with him and train him if he signed up as a school volunteer. I am happy that the wrestling program can continue beyond my visit and work in Ulukhaktok. ”

Monique plans to escort Ulukhaktok wrestling team members to the Arctic Winter Games Territorial Trials in Yellowknife December 7-11.