By Andrew Breaker
Siksika Nation is the home of 17-year-old Cameron Apiikisstakai McMaster. Cameron’s family has a long history of McMaster athletes. She is the daughter of Donna McMaster and Lawrence McMaster, the granddaughter of Don and Jean Ingwersen on her mother’s side, and the granddaughter of Laverna McMaster, Wayne Crochane, and Samuel Born with a tooth, who was born to her father’s side. She is also Levitt and Ann McMaster’s great-granddaughter. Cameron has grown up surrounded by sports due to her family, since both her mom and grandmother, Laverna, played collegiate basketball.
Cameron is an Orangeville basketball player in the Ontario Basketball Athletic Association (OSBA). She made the all-Canadian Nike Future Athletes squad, formerly known as the Biosteel Game, and was named a second team all-star the previous season. Although Cameron’s season is only getting started, her team’s run to the divisional championship last year was a huge success. At present, Cameron attends Orangeville Prep Academy, situated in Ontario, Canada. She wouldn’t change the fact that she had to relocate across the nation to accomplish her ambition, even if it took a lot. Cameron will be playing Division 1 basketball and studying in psychology at the University of Detroit Mercy starting in the fall. Cameron one day wants to play professionally in European leagues. She would love to continue working in the sports industry when her basketball career is over and use her degree in psychology to assist athletes in managing their mental health while continuing to play their favourite sport.
“Basketball has taken me to so many places and to live in Europe while still playing the sport I love would be the best of both worlds.”
Cameron McMaster on her career goal.
“I feel extremely proud to represent Siksika Nation, our community is full of strong and resilient people and to be able to show that to people outside of Alberta is an honor. It is Important that our youth from Siksika to be able to see someone like them achieve their goal and it would encourage more kids to reach for their dreams and aspirations.”
Cameron McMaster on how she felt about representing Siksika Nation.
“My best advice for someone who is starting Basketball is to keep your mind on your goal. If you want something, take the risk and go and get it, you will end up regretting it if you don’t. Remember that your career is not always going to be uphill and that it is okay to have bad days, those all lead to your end goal. Most importantly, use your family as your motivation, they are your support system and don’t be afraid to fall back on them when you need help.” Cameron McMaster on giving advice to the youth and someone that would want to end up playing at a higher level in Basketball.
Congratulations Cameron on your achievements so far and good luck to you and your basketball career, Siksika is always here and will always cheer you on!
