Sharon and Shirley Firth are now the first Aboriginal women inducted into Canada's Sports Hall of Fame.
The twin sisters, members of the Gwich'in First Nation, grew up in Inuvik, N.W.T. They were major contributors to their sport of cross country skiing, representing Canada and competing in 4 Olympic Games between 1972-1984. (Read more about the Firth twins.)
Sharon accepted the twins honour last night, as Shirley passed away in 2013 after battling cancer. I am sure it was a night filled with pride and sorrow. I can bet you Shirley was also there in spirit cheering her sister on.
I love sister stories. I deeply relate to the bond of siblings. The Dufour-Lapointe sisters Chloe, Justine and Maxime were a highlight watching the 2014 Sochi Olympics, as well as the first time three siblings competed together at the Olympics (they even have one shared twitter handle! Click here). Coming from a family of three girls, I can only imagine how special and in some ways crazy it would have been to compete at the games with my sisters Leah and Marla. (Read more about the Dufour-Lapointe sisters.)
The Firth twins represent so many layers of greatness in their sport stories and the history they have made. Representing Aboriginal women, women sport leaders, the special bond of twins, as well and the love, support, bond and understanding of siblings and family.
