Tala Brant Berry, from Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory, has a deep-rooted passion for soccer and her Indigenous community. As the Assistant Equipment Manager for Atlético Ottawa, she balances a busy schedule with her commitments on and off the field. Having played soccer from a young age, her journey has taken her through various teams, including the Indigenous Team Ontario and Algonquin College’s varsity team. Tala’s connection to her heritage is equally strong, with the ODAWA Native Friendship Centre playing an important role in her life, from childhood experiences at cultural events to ongoing support for her and her family. In this interview, Tala reflects on her soccer career, her work with Atlético Ottawa, and her involvement with ONFC, as well as the impact of Atlético’s themed match in support of Indigenous organizations.

Here’s a glimpse into our conversation.

Can you share your experience with ODAWA Native Friendship Centre and how they have supported you and your family? Do you have any favorite moments related to ONFC?
I first attended Odawa’s Early Years program as a baby and later participated in their annual children’s powwow. When I was 16-17, I attended their kettlebell fitness classes at the centre. I still continue to attend the children’s powwow every year. My favorite moments at Odawa have been the children’s powwows, especially seeing the younger generation involved in their culture.

What territory are you from, and what is your role with Atlético Ottawa?
I’m from Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory, and I work at Atlético Ottawa as the Assistant Equipment Manager.

Can you talk about your soccer career? (Teams you’ve played for, past and present, and position)
I started playing soccer at the age of 5 with Timbits, continuing until I was 11, when I switched to futsal as a defender. At 12, I became a goalkeeper after our keeper had to undergo surgery. Despite being only 11, I played as a goalkeeper for both U16 and U18 girls’ futsal teams due to a shortage of players. At 13, I played for Ottawa Internationals in the summer, competing at the U15 level and occasionally filling in for U16 and U17 teams. After that, I joined the Gloucester Hornets as a keeper, playing from ages 14 to 18. During the 2023 season, I was selected as the goalkeeper for Team Ontario’s Indigenous squad. Now, I play on Algonquin College’s women’s varsity team.

How is it working with Atlético Ottawa? What does your day-to-day look like, and what are your duties/tasks?
It’s been an incredible privilege to work with Atlético Ottawa. My daily responsibilities include ensuring the coaches have all the equipment they need for training, watering the field when required, managing the soccer balls, and clearing the field after practice. My routine typically involves going to work, heading home for lunch, and then immediately heading to my own practices with Algonquin College. There’s not much downtime!

How does it make you feel knowing that Atlético Ottawa is hosting a theme match in support of ONFC?
I’m really proud that Atlético is hosting a theme match in support of ONFC. It’s amazing to see the club raising awareness and supporting such an important cause. I hope this is just the beginning, and that Atlético continues supporting ONFC and other Indigenous-run organizations in the future.