The Osoyoos Indian Band’s “Twisted Arrows” archery club is making quite a name for itself in North America.
Five members of the group were chosen by Team BC Archery to compete in the North American Indigenous Games (NAIG) in July and the 3D Archery Nationals earlier this month.
Taylor Baptiste, Talon Baptiste, Kyle Frezie-Baptiste, Jonah George and Brooke Tanner represented the band under team manager Sonya Jensen.
Taylor, 17, won a bronze medal at NAIG in the under-19 female compound division.
“It was really intense . . . the girls (other competitors) were really good,” she said.
Taylor has only been involved in archery for seven months, and she has already won a bronze (at NAIG) and a gold at a provincial tournament in June.
“I like the idea of hitting the target. It reminds me of hunting,” said Taylor, who hunts deer with a 243 rifle.
Taylor said 90 per cent of archery is really a mental game and believing in yourself.
This is what Kyle learned at NAIG, where he placed fifth in the under-16 traditional bow category. He had a good first day, but he missed a target on the second day, which hurt his confidence.
The 15-year-old scored better at the nationals, where he won gold. He brought home a silver medal from the provincials.
Kyle said he enjoys traditional bow compared to compounds because there are no sights or other aids to help you. It’s all “instinctual shooting.” It’s also cheaper, he laughed.
Thirteen-year-old Talon also won gold at the nationals and brought home a bronze from NAIG. She too uses a traditional bow.
Talon said Team BC “felt like a family,” and she made new friends who want to stay in touch with her.
Other Twisted Arrows members came back with some competitive spirit, including Tanner who won a bronze medal at NAIG, and Joe Louie who won a bronze at the nationals.
William Hall also competed.
Jensen, who won a bronze at the nationals, said NAIG was a tough challenge for the local youth.
“It was huge for them. They were struggling, and it was overwhelming. But once they got into the groove, they were able to focus more and started to have fun.”
Jensen said competing in these events was a big accomplishment for the Twisted Arrows, considering the fact that local Team BC members have only been shooting for a year.
Lyonel Doherty
Oliver Chronicle
