Name: Dano Thorne
Beat: Head Coach & Team Leader for NIFA / Coach for the Indigenous Ladies Gold Medal World Games Champions 2015 / Advocate for Aboriginal Sports
Heritage: Cowichan First Nation of the Coast Salish people, connections to Secoten First Nations, and Nez Perce Tribe of Idaho state.
Ancestral name: kwa lii quinum Current location: Vancouver, BC
Describe yourself in 1 word or sentence: People
When and how did you first fall in love with soccer?: Soccer is my family tradition. It’s what we’ve all done for over a hundred years. I started playing at 3 years old, and I love it. It’s my gift.
What do coaches and community leaders have in common?: Leadership. Both positions have this responsibility because they revolve around people. Coaching can build up our people and teach life lessons that inspire capacity building- especially in our youth.
One highlight from the World Indigenous Games (2015): Watching the young ladies and coaches achieve personal greatness in a special, sacred moment…
- Also check out...
- Native Indian Football Association
One lesson learned from the World Indigenous Games (2015): Strong communication! Asking for help always makes things easier… What are your passions outside of soccer and coaching?: Continuing to support youth and watching them build their own dreams. I encourage them to be proud of culture and their identity.
‘The Good Life’ means…: Walking with your ancestors and your family; walking the red road; looking after your mental/emotional/physical/spiritual needs; continuing to dream!