Soldier To Represent Kainai at Football Nationals
By Amber Sugai, Blood Tribe Communications Officer
A young college football player with Blood Tribe roots is getting ready to head to Nationals, the Canadian Bowl, this upcoming weekend.
Jakob Soldier ‘Niisto akohk Naatoysikaapioohkihtopii’ (Holy Grey Horse Rider), a 19-year-old who is currently in his 2nd year playing Center with the Okanagan Sun Football Club in Kelowna, British Columbia, will compete against the Saskatoon Hilltops on November 9, 2025, in Saskatoon, SK for the championship.
The Okanagan Sun had a successful 2025 season, going 10-0 in the regular season, and clinched the Conference and went onto win the British Columbia Football Conference (BCFC) Cullen Cup. The Okanagan Sun won the Canadian Junior Football League (CJFL) semifinal Intergold Cup.
Soldier was recruited and signed his player contract in March 2024, then went onto have a very successful rookie season. He graduated on June 27, 2024, from Winston Churchill High School and immediately began his Junior Football career with the Okanagan Sun on July 1, 2024.
In Soldiers’ last 2 years of High School, he was awarded:
- the Southern Alberta High School Football League Most Outstanding Defensive Lineman for 2022.
- All-Star Offensive Lineman for 2023.
- Lineman of the Year consecutively for 2022 & 2023 from Winston Churchill High School.
During Soldiers’ football career, from High School to Junior football, Soldier noticed a disparity in Indigenous representation. Soldier hopes his success inspires other young Indigenous athletes to pursue their goals and together boost Indigenous representation among all sports.
“If you know in your heart, you’re capable to excel not only in sports, but life in general, find your passion and feed that passion. Be coachable, always remain humble in everything you do. Always pray and give thanks to the Creator for every opportunity good or bad. Be grateful to be able to get up and have another go at life. Stay away from drugs and alcohol as these are not conducive to success in any aspect of life. If ever you need advice or want to be able to follow in my footsteps, reach out to me, and I will guide you the best way I know how.”
Soldier would like to thank all his supporters: his dad, grandparents, community, family, friends, coaches, and co-workers. Soldier would like to acknowledge his mom Crystal, who he couldn’t have done this without, and his brother Dashal who has been with him through this entire football journey.
To support Soldier and the Okanagan Sun, you can watch in person on November 9, 2025, in Saskatoon, SK, at the Saskatoon Minor Football Field. Game time is scheduled for 1:00 pm. Or you can watch live at https://www.bcfootballconference.com and the cost is $25 to stream, or on TELUS TV, channel 1981. You can also follow Soldier or the Okanagan Sun on Facebook and Instagram.
