All Native Basketball Tournament brings Prince Rupert Alive
Damon Bell-Holter, Professional Basketball Player from Hydaburg, Alaska speaking to the crowd during the opening ceremonies. Photo credit Diana Morgan
Over 2,000 people descend on Prince Rupert every year to be a part of the All Native Basketball Tournament. The event is a huge draw for BC First Nations, particularly from the Coast, and this year was no exception. The tournament, which began in 1947, attracts athletes, coaches, family and supporters. Fifty one teams participated in the tournament.
This year the FNHA played a role in the event. The FNHA partnered with Northern Health to put on a Health Screening during the Tournament. Our staff also had an information booth where we highlighted Health Careers and provided information the FNHA has produced. One of the top items in demand was the Traditional Foods Fact Sheets. The Elder's Guide was also popular.
The Health Screening took place in the Raven Room – a quiet place and refreshments were served, including coffee, tea and Labrador Tea (a traditional drink). Our staff reported incredible experiences witnessing the opening ceremonies, which were hosted by the Lax Keen dance group.
"Attending the All Native was an incredible experience. The opening ceremonies were powerful – I had chills listening to the singing and drumming. During the tournament there was a lively, vibrant energy throughout the civic centre and in fact, all over town. Every hotel was booked. The FNHA had to book a year in advance to make sure we had space."Diana Morgan, FNHA Manager Partnership Initiatives and Projects.
The All Native (as it is known) is a major event, followed by all the Nations who send teams. Games and some results are carried on CFNR. It is always held in Prince Rupert. There is also the Junior All Native Basketball Tournament which is hosted in different locations annually. This year it will be held in Snuneymuxw Territory – Nanaimo from March 22-27th.
The All Native is a major annual event among First Nations. Some have even been known to time school holidays to allow people to attend. Traditionally little business is done by the Nations that participate when the tournament is on. Though, as pointed out in the recent CBC article – a lot of discussion between groups occurs at the All Native.
The FNHA brought in Damon Bell-Holter, a Haida basketball player who plays professionally in the States. Damen Bell-Holter grew up in Hydaburg, Alaska where he played basketball up until 8th grade. He attended Mount Edgecumbe High School his freshmen and sophomore year then went onto Ketchikan High School for his junior and senior years. Bell-Holter was a standout high school basketball player at both schools. Damen went onto star at Division 1 Oral Roberts University. He is now in his 2nd year of professional basketball where he continues his aspirations of playing in the NBA. Bell-Holter spoke to the audience during the opening ceremonies, telling the crowd about how his commitment to pursuing his dream of playing in the NBA has led to many opportunities, including getting a four-year college degree.
The All Native has four divisions;
1. Mens' Intermediate
2. Mens' Seniors
3. Mens' Masters
4. Womens' Division (open)
This year's winners are:
• Metlakatla Mens Division Intermediates
• Skidegate Men's Division Seniors
• Hydaburg Mens Division Masters
• Bella Bella Women's Division
For more information about the Junior All Native click here
Damon Bell-Holter, Professional Basketball Player from Hydaburg, Alaska speaking to the crowd during the opening ceremonies. Photo credit Diana Morgan
Teams gathered during the opening ceremonies. Note the archival pictures of old teams. Photo credit Diana Morgan
Links - http://cfnrfm.ca/native-basketball-tournament-2015-photos-thursday-feb-12th/
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/all-native-basketball-tournament-triumphs-over-racist-past-in-prince-rupert-b-c-1.2954016
JANT - http://www.snuneymuxw.ca/event/2015-junior-all-native-basketball-tournament-nanaimo
