Fans of the sport of curling in the NWT, or even those who arenSA国际影视传媒檛, will no doubt recognize the name Kerry Galusha.

Having achieved a celebrated and successful career on the ice over almost four decades, Galusha has represented the NWT in 21 Scotties Tournament of Hearts, the Canadian womenSA国际影视传媒檚 curling championship, and twice in the Arctic Winter Games.

In 2023, she was inducted into the Governor GeneralSA国际影视传媒檚 Curling Club, becoming the first Indigenous woman to be given the prestigious honour and only the second person from the NWT.

Born in Yellowknife, Galusha, whoSA国际影视传媒檚 of GwichSA国际影视传媒檌n descent and whose family has roots in the Beaufort Delta, first started curling in Grade 6, joining her parents and brothers, all avid curlers.

She also teaches the sport at the Yellowknife Curling Centre.

Her dedication to the sport has gained many admirers and has also helped many youth develop skills and enjoyment for the game known as SA国际影视传媒渃hess on ice.SA国际影视传媒�

She hosts the SA国际影视传媒楪irls RockSA国际影视传媒� curling event and has become a role model for young girls in the curling arena.

Yet for the longest time, Galusha was always referred to as the sister of either Kevin or Jamie Koe, and not as someone who has achieved national recognition in her own right.

SA国际影视传媒淚t used to bother me all the time. I was just known as their sister instead of being Kerry,SA国际影视传媒� Galusha said.

Such a distinction may seem minor, but it is one of the many challenges women have continually faced in not only the world of sports, but in many aspects of their lives SA国际影视传媒� the lack of recognition for their own achievements.

Wise investment

Today, March 8, is International WomenSA国际影视传媒檚 Day and this yearSA国际影视传媒檚 theme, SA国际影视传媒業nvest in Women: Accelerate Progress,SA国际影视传媒� highlights the reminder that achieving gender equality is necessary for inclusion, yet it is one that continues to face barriers.

Although Galusha said she is now recognized independently for her contributions to curling, another area where women in sports traditionally have not been equally recognized is in the financial compensation they receive for winning or participating in competitions.

SA国际影视传媒淎s I got older, I quickly learned that it was truly like any other sport, and that the men made more money curling. It was bigger and better for the men,SA国际影视传媒� she said, adding that more recently, Curling Canada began ensuring equal compensation in competition.

SA国际影视传媒淐urling has come a long way and itSA国际影视传媒檚 very equal now, which is very good to see,SA国际影视传媒� she said.

In terms of participation, Galusha said curling is SA国际影视传媒渙ne of the better sportsSA国际影视传媒� and Canada has now invested in female sports.

She recalled a few years ago when her team was invited to speak at the Department of National Defence International WomenSA国际影视传媒檚 Day event, where they discussed empowering women and Indigenous youth in the North.

SA国际影视传媒淚 think for youth in the North, itSA国际影视传媒檚 tough to live up here and to excel in sport, whether itSA国际影视传媒檚 curling or whatever,SA国际影视传媒� she said. SA国际影视传媒淚t takes a lot of hard work and it takes a lot of support, and if you donSA国际影视传媒檛 have that support, itSA国际影视传媒檚 just not going to happen.SA国际影视传媒�

Galusha said she hopes that when a little girl in a Northern community sees the NWT curling team broadcast on TSN, that she feels empowered knowing that they, too, are from the territory.

For girls especially, she said so much self-confidence can be gained, which can then carry them through tough times and harsh winters, through good times and bad times.

SA国际影视传媒淚 can only hope that every little girl in the North has something to dream about. I hope I can be that role model for us. Going to the curling club, starting to curl, or do a certain kind of sport, and just dream big.SA国际影视传媒�

Galusha said overall, International WomenSA国际影视传媒檚 Day is an important way to acknowledge women.

SA国际影视传媒淲omen across the country and the world, we can be very powerful and we can use our voices to speak up when we need to and use our voices for good things.SA国际影视传媒�