World Indigenous Games gold medal celebrated at Siksika victory rally

Rilee ManyBears was all smiles Wednesday as members of Siksika First Nation gave him a warm welcome for taking a gold medal at the recent World Indigenous Games in Brazil.

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"I think it's a symbol that goals can be achieved through determination," ManyBearssaid."If you set your goals high no matter how highyou can still achieve them."

A victory rally with children and elders from the community southeast of Calgary honoured the young man.

ManyBears brought home a gold medal in the eight-kilometre running competition at the first-ever event held in Brazil last month.

He says it was about more than just competing.

"It was very powerful walking into the opening ceremonies seeing different indigenous cultures from all over the worldseeing their ceremonies, their way of life," he said.