Trina Ross, a proud member of Pimicikamak Cree Nation, also known as Cross Lake, Manitoba, spent her formative years in this Northern Manitoba reserve until the age of 22. She then relocated to pursue other opportunities and later established her own family, blessed with four beautiful boys.

At 35, Trina embarked on her athletic journey, enrolling in a gym membership to adopt a healthy lifestyle. Inspired by her two sons, who were already members of the Manitoba Canoe & Kayak Centre, Trina discovered her passion for dragon boat racing. She enrolled in the competitive program and rapidly excelled, becoming one of the strongest female paddlers at the club.

In the fall of 2022, Trina received a surprise invitation from the Dragonboat Team Canada coach to join the national team and compete in the 2022 International Canoe Dragonboat Federation World Championships in Racice, Czech Republic. Trina accepted the invitation and, alongside Team Canada, participated in both 10-member and 20-member dragon boat races against 15 countries. Their impressive performance yielded eight medals: three gold, one silver, and four bronze. As the sole Indigenous woman competitor, the Pimicikamak Cree Nation flag was prominently displayed alongside the Canadian flag in the Czech Republic. In recognition of her outstanding achievements, Trina received the Order of Sport Excellence in 2022.

In 2024, Trina was nominated for the Tom Longboat Award by the Manitoba Aboriginal Sports and Recreation Council, which recognizes the national female Indigenous Athlete of the Year. Trina was presented with this prestigious award at the Canada Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony.

Later that year, Trina participated in her second World Dragonboat Championships with Team Canada in Puerto Princesa, Philippines, securing four silver medals and two bronze medals while competing against 32 countries.

In addition to dragon boating, Trina is a competitive canoe paddler, having recently won the 70-mile General Clinton Canoe Regatta, stock boat category in New York State. She continues to participate in canoe racing events throughout Northern Canada, culminating in a successful tour at the end of each season.

In April 2025, Trina received the highest honor for a Manitoba indigenous athlete, being inducted into the Manitoba Indigenous Sports Hall of Fame and Museum in recognition of her outstanding achievements.