inspired to make a difference

“My grandmother, Shirley, grew up in Tyendinaga,” says Bach. “She’s always been an important role model for me. I’ve heard her stories and found what she’s accomplished in her lifetime. She’s an inspiration.”

In an effort to reach a larger audience, Bach approached the ProPacts organization, which includes Hall of Fame member Brian Trottier, two-time Olympic gold medalist Shannon Szabados and many others, to create interactive and stimulating events for athletes. working with.

“I did a few presentations on life skills,” she says. “I also did training demonstrations. This initiative brings together role models and acts as a mentorship program of sorts. ”

It is give and take. As much as people on the other side of the screen benefit from Bach’s presence, Bach benefits from his participation, which helps him strengthen his understanding of indigenous culture through dialogue.

Bach did not grow up in a reserve, and so it is through the stories of his grandmother and grandfather that he appropriated his Mohawk roots and paved the way for his family.

“I didn’t get a chance to taste this culture,” she says, noting that she’s taking courses in Aboriginal culture at Queen’s University. “It is important to learn all the things related to the history, the hardships and the different languages ​​of my people and being of tribal origin.”

If all goes according to plan, she will be able to leverage a prime platform to tell her story over the next eight months.

Bach is one of 28 players who have been selected to be part of the centralization with the Canada national women’s team ahead of the 2022 Olympic Winter Games. From this group, 25 will be selected to represent Canada at the Worlds. Women’s tournament in Calgary, starting August 20.

She’s lived this roller coaster ride that has characterized the Women’s World Cup event for the past 16 months – the 2020 Women’s World Cup was canceled in the first days of the pandemic, then, in April, New-Scotland The province decided not to proceed with the presentation of the tournament in 2021, just two weeks away from the opening games. However, looks like all is well for the event in Stampede Town.

“We can’t wait to go to Calgary, play games and go for this world championship title,” said the former Boston University color holder. “For one and a half years we have been waiting for the chance to participate in this event. Finally, it’s coming. ”

Bach was excellent with the Canada national women’s development team, scoring 33 points in 35 games from 2015 to 2018, before making her debut for the women’s national team in the 2018 Fourth Nations Cup.

With the senior roster, he hit the target four times in 15 games, including achieving that memorable goal in a rivalry series against the United States in February 2020, before COVID-19 put life on hiatus.

🚨 @catbt617 Knock on, come on @weibach21 Have the honor of opening the door. Victoria won it in Victoria❗️#rival seriespic.twitter.com/UpUiMg0kar

— Team Canada Women (@HC_Women) February 4, 2020

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Blair Turnbull knocks on the door and leaves the honor of opening it to Victoria Bach. Victoria gave Victoria Canada’s victory!

)

The next Women’s World Cup is only the first step. As the gold medals are awarded in Alberta, attention will immediately turn to Beijing and the six-month adventure of Olympic centralization.

“We’re here to compete and improve as a group,” Bach says. “After the World Championship, a new chapter will begin. We push ourselves and each other. I am really happy to have the chance to compete with others on a daily basis. I think it will be a great experience. ”

As with so many projects, Bach could be forgiven for not having a single goal in mind. It’s all about who she is, where she comes from and what she stands for.

“I hope to be a role model and inspiration for young tribal girls and boys.”