January 23, 2024
North American Indigenous Athletics Hall of Fame
The North American Indigenous Athletics Hall of Fame (NAIAHF) honours and recognizes Indigenous sports cultures by recognizing outstanding leadership and achievement in individual and team athletics. By honouring and celebrating the empowered journey of the annually inducted individuals and teams, their stories inspire future generations to follow their dreams in athletics and life.
The NAIAHF features individuals and teams in the categories of athlete, coach, builder, media, official, and trainer. The builder category recognizes Indigenous individuals that have attained a high level of excellence developing sustainable programming, produced or published scholarly work, or providing sponsorship for Indigenous athletics teams and organizations on a state, provincial, national, international or professional level in relation to participation in athletics competition and training. Among the new builder inductees is Dr. Rosalin Miles.
Dr. Rosalin Miles
Dr. Miles, Research Associate in Indigenous Studies, School of Kinesiology, Faculty of Education, is a member of the Lytton First Nation and is known in her native language as Maaj, meaning “first light of day.” She is a pivotal figure in advancing Indigenous sports on both national and international stages. She is the Founder and Executive Director of the Indigenous Physical Activity and Cultural Circle (IPACC) a network for First Nations, Métis and Inuit people who are involved in traditional activities, fitness, recreation, and sports. Recognized by the House of Commons and honoured with Vancouver Quadra’s Hidden Hero Award, Dr. Miles’ dedication to IPACC underscores her commitment to elevating the profile of Indigenous sports.
She has organized 10 National Indigenous physical activity and wellness conferences, and 11 active spirit walk and runs. These events have fostered a robust network for Indigenous athletes and sports enthusiasts, promoting cultural exchange and athletic excellence. Dr. Miles’ expertise in the physiological and psychological aspects of soccer benefited the University of Central Florida (UCF)’s women’s soccer team and UBC women’s soccer team, where she worked as a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS). She received the UBC Alumni Award for Volunteer Leadership, and the Robert Small Boy Award “Heroes of Our Time” Scholarships from the Assembly of First Nations.
As a Director for the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) in British Columbia and Florida, Dr. Miles played a critical role in supporting CSCS accreditation, recognized by the NSCA Bronze Award. Her doctoral studies at UCF in education, combined with her Graduate Certificate in Non-Profit Management provided her skills to lead and inspire in the field of sports management and education.
As strength and conditioning coach at UCF, and later at University High School in Florida, she broke barriers as one of the first female Indigenous football coaches in Florida, highlighted her pioneering spirit. She also received the NSCA High School Professional of the Year for the United States. At the University of Arizona, she worked with the men’s baseball and women’s volleyball teams, and volunteered with Olympic and professional athletes. She competed in softball in Japan, is a champion in British Columbia and national power-lifting, and a fitness competitor at both the USA and World Nova Fitness challenges.
Dr. Miles’ work has enhanced the visibility and success of Indigenous coaches, athletes, and researchers, and has forged lasting connections and opportunities for cultural exchange and understanding in the world of sports. Learn more by visiting her profile on the NAIAHF website.
