London, ON - June marks Indigenous History Month, and June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day in Canada — a time to celebrate, reflect on, and honor the rich cultures, histories, and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples across Canada. For Western Mustangs Women's Volleyball student-athlete Jade Longlad, this month holds a deep personal significance. A proud member of both the Indigenous National Team and the Western varsity team, Jade's connection to her heritage has strengthened in recent years, thanks in large part to the mentorship of her NAIG (North American Indigenous Games) Coach, Kerrie Buchberger. Through sport, mentorship, and personal growth, Jade is embracing her identity and emerging as a powerful voice for Indigenous representation in athletics.
"At the end of my 18U year of club volleyball I was approached by Kerrie Buchberger who heard through the grapevine that I am Indigenous. Kerrie was planning on head coaching an Alberta team to compete in NAIG (North American Indigenous Games) 2023 in Halifax, and she wanted me to be a part of it." Jade Longlad reflected. "I remember feeling very nervous because at that time I wasn't very in tune with my culture. But the Indigenous community was extremely warm and welcoming, and taught me a lot. They shared knowledge with me, language, customs - there was so much to learn and so much culture to experience. I was not only able to build relationships with other Indigenous athletes from my province but from all across Canada, most of [whom] I'm still in contact with".
"I got involved with the Indigenous National Volleyball team through Kerrie, who was our head coach. I was inspired to join because it was another opportunity for me to combine my love for volleyball with my pride in representing my Indigenous culture. I'm so grateful to have been part of the early development of this program. Personally, it has given me a sense of pride and responsibility to represent my community with honor and to inspire younger generations to pursue their goals. Culturally, it was a way to celebrate and share not only our traditions but the Maori traditions as well whom we competed against", added Longlad.
Both the Indigenous community and Coach Buchberger have played pivotal roles in shaping Longlad's journey.
"Her [Kerrie Buchberger's] journey as a Métis athlete who represented Canada at the 1996 Summer Olympics and played professional volleyball across Europe is nothing short of incredible." Longlad reflected. "What inspires me the most, though, is not just her athletic achievements, it's the way she carries herself with strength, kindness, and a genuine commitment to empowering others. She opened the door for me into both the world of volleyball and my Indigenous culture, and that has completely shaped who I am today. Her belief in me has pushed me to work hard in volleyball and embrace my identity with pride."
"Beyond sport, I'm also inspired by the resilience and strength of Indigenous communities. Seeing how deeply connected we are through culture, history, and the shared love of sport motivates me to be a part of something bigger. Being surrounded by athletes and leaders who celebrate their roots while breaking barriers has taught me the importance of representing my community with pride and using my voice to inspire the next generation", said Longlad.
Longlad finds great joy in representing her community.
"The ability to represent culture through passion is a very beautiful thing. I'm very fortunate to express my pride through high level competition while showcasing the richness of my cultural identity. I have a strong appreciation for the effort put into this program that allows it to foster such an inclusive space. The program creates an environment to celebrate and share Indigenous languages, stories, art, and spiritual practices, helping to keep these traditions alive. I hope that by being seen on a national stage I can empower young indigenous female athletes and inspire them to embrace their cultural identity and have the confidence to pursue their passions."
Eager to give back, Longlad has begun coaching young female athletes.
"I'm already coaching young female athletes in beach volleyball clinics and at college [and university] camps but I hope to keep developing as a coach and be an assistant at the 2027 NAIG. It's important to me that I stay involved in my Indigenous culture through volleyball and I'd love to guide young athletes through the same experience I had. I believe that sport is such an important part of a person's development because it teaches conflict resolution, how to build and maintain relationships, how to push yourself in tough moments, and how to deal with pressure. A lot of girls specifically drop out of sports at a very young age, I hope one day I can help to prevent that", said Longlad.
Her journey so far has been filled with meaningful moments.
"One of the most incredible experiences was having the opportunity to witness the Maori culture perform the haka at the powwow we attended and again at our closing ceremonies. Seeing the haka performed in such intimate and respectful settings was deeply moving. The energy, strength, and pride they conveyed was really a reminder of how vital it is to preserve and share cultural traditions. Being present in that moment, surrounded by other Indigenous communities, reinforced how connected we all are despite coming from different parts of the world. What stood out to me the most was how this experience wasn't only about volleyball it was about embracing our identities, said Longlad.
"Through volleyball, I've had the opportunity to meet people from different Nations, each with their own stories and traditions. Sport allows us to celebrate who we are while pushing ourselves to grow, both as athletes and as people. Sports and teams have always created a sense of family to me. When you're out there competing with a group of hard working athletes with the same end goal, it lifts you up, not just during the game but in life. It's empowering to know that no matter where we are, we're part of a community that supports and inspires one another. This connection is what makes sport so meaningful to me."
This connection was also a driving factor behind Jade Longlad's decision to attend Western University in 2023.
"My recruitment with the Western Women's Volleyball team started with a volleyball showcase in Toronto where I got a lot of exposure to Ontario Universities. I then connected with [Western Mustangs Women's Volleyball] Head Coach Mellissa Bartlett through email and a couple of phone calls. Melissa spoke very highly of the team culture, one that values respect for one another and a strong support system. Our conversations about the team values resonated with me because I knew I'd be far away from my friends and family and I wanted to surround myself with a loving community", said Longlad.
Currently in the Faculty of Social Science studying Psychology, Longlad is thriving in the demanding life of a student-athlete.
"My experience has definitely helped me develop my time management skills. It's very challenging to balance class work with a packed volleyball schedule. The strategy that works best for me is to upload absolutely every deadline, exam date, class time onto my calendar along with my practice and team lift schedule. Once I can see everything laid out I plot in when I'm going to study what subject, when I'm going to meal prep, when I'm going to eat, and what's left of my free time which is often limited to only an hour a day. Believe it or not, having a busy schedule has improved my academics. I find that when I'm kept busy, I'm more conscientious of the time I do have to focus on school, and I'm able to work more efficiently."
Longlad also prioritizes rest and mental wellness, and encourages other athletes to make sure to take time for themselves.
"I've improved at listening to what my mind and body needs. Managing so many commitments can feel draining and as a student-athlete it can be challenging to find time for yourself, but it's crucial to prioritize your physical and mental recovery. I like to use my free time to focus on myself whether that means icing my body, stretching, preparing nutritious meals, or simply relaxing and watching a show. It's hard to be your best self if you aren't feeling your best, so I make sure to take care of myself", said Longlad.
Especially ahead of big games/tournaments, her mental preparation is paramount. "I like to do a lot of visualization leading up to competition. The week before a match, before I fall asleep, I lay in bed and I visualize myself competing. I visualize the court, my teammates surrounding me, running the offence in different situations, making incredible plays. I like to do it every night because I think it's good to visualize success. I think it also helps with nerves because by the time I'm in that present moment, on the court, I feel like I've been there a million times. I also do pregame visualization which is a lot more specific to game plan, strategy. Another thing I do is use mantras. Something personal I say to myself when I need to lock back into the present moment", said Longlad.
"There are always going to be hard times where you question if you're good enough or if you belong. I've been there many times. But remember, you're capable of so much more than you realize. Surround yourself with people who lift you up, like coaches, teammates, and community members who you can lean on in those hard times. Find those people who believe in you even on the days you don't believe in yourself. Also, don't be afraid to take up space on the court and in life. You deserve to be here, and your presence matters. Every time you step onto the court, you're not just playing for yourself, you're representing your community and inspiring the athletes who will come after you."
Summer 2025 is shaping up to be an exciting one for Longlad, and she's looking forward to the opportunity.
"This summer I'm representing the U21 NDT (Native Dream Team) at the global Challenge held in Pula, Croatia from July 14-18, 2025. I am stoked for this opportunity because I get to compete in a beautiful country alongside some old teammates who I played with at NAIG and on the Indigenous National Team. Having played with a lot of these girls already, I've developed a great on-court connection with them and I'm excited to show that off at a high-level tournament and hopefully bring home some hardware", she added.
Looking ahead, she plans to pursue professional volleyball overseas and build a career in sports psychology.
"With my degree in psychology I plan to be a sports psychologist so I can work with teams and help them through the mental struggles of being a young female athlete", said Longlad.
This Indigenous History Month, Jade Longlad's story is a testament to the power of identity, community, and mentorship. As she continues to grow as both an athlete and a leader, she is inspiring others to embrace their roots, take pride in who they are, and uplift those around them.
"If there's one thing I would tell younger Indigenous athletes, it's to stay true to yourself. Your culture and your identity is so sacred, never be afraid to embrace them." Longlad advises.
