The Skeena
Aaron Hemens, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, IndigiNews
Hundreds of people packed inside a Prince Rupert gymnasium this week to mark the opening of the 65th annual All Native Basketball Tournament with a celebration of coastal culture.
There wasn’t an empty seat in the arena of the Jim Ciccone Civic Centre on Sunday as the Gitxaała Drummers and Dancers welcomed spectators and players from both neighbouring and faraway communities.
The City of Prince Rupert is located in the territories of the Tsimshian First Nations. Its original Sm’algya̱x name is Lax Kxeen.
As the drummers and dancers made their way into the gym, they were accompanied by Elders and hereditary chiefs, where they were met with loud applause from the crowd. They continued to drum, dance and sing as participating teams were introduced into the gym, one-by-one.
“Gatherings were restricted for First Nations, and they were not allowed to play in the city’s basketball tournaments.”
All Native Basketball Tournament organizers
The city has hosted the tournament since 1959, with organizers noting that the competition was created during a time where “gatherings were restricted for First Nations, and they were not allowed to play in the city’s basketball tournaments.”
Every year since then, dozens of Indigenous communities from throughout B.C. have sponsored teams to participate in the tournament. There are more than 60 teams across five divisions featured in this year’s tournament, set to run from Feb. 8 to 15.
“We’re so honoured to all of you spectators and to all players that make this event so wonderful. We’re so glad to have you join it,” said Eva Spencer, the vice chairperson of the All Native Basketball Tournament.
In addition to hereditary chiefs, there were local dignitaries present as well, including Tamara Davidson (Laanas), the first Indigenous woman to serve as Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) for North Coast-Haida Gwaii.
“We belong everywhere. We belong in the basketball court. We belong in the hospitals. We belong in the government.”
Tamara Davidson (Laanas), Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) for North Coast-Haida Gwaii.
“I’m so honoured to be here tonight. A few years ago, I was really upset when I saw what was happening in our hospitals, in our courts, in the government. And I wrote a poem called ‘We Belong,’” said Davidson, who is a member of the Haida Nation.
“We belong everywhere. We belong in the basketball court. We belong in the hospitals. We belong in the government.”
Davidson said that it’s important for people to recognize the voice that Indigenous Peoples have, adding that “our voice is strong.”
“We know how to steward our lands and waters, because we’ve been doing it since time immemorial,” she said.
“I’m so, so proud of all the teams that sacrificed so much to come here this week, and to lift each other up.”
