The 2021 competition had been cancelled owing to the COVID pandemic, which along with the discovery of the graves from Residential Schools was often a theme for the Haida Opening, the evening starting with the arrival of the Tsimshian Chiefs and Matriarchs to the Russell Gamble Gymnasium.
The procession of the Ceremony Host Haida Nation then followed, with the Chiefs, Matriarchs, Elders, drummers, and dancers all making their way to the floor
In what was said to be a first, the referees were introduced at the opening of the athletes entry, followed then by the players and coaches from each participating nation making their way through the Gymnasium in staring with the Haida Nation representatives.
The Blessing of the Tournament followed the procession of the athletes with the welcome to the tournament from the Organizers. The Celebration for 2022 puts the focus on the Sponsors, who stepped up to ensure that this years event could take place.
The Coast Tsimshian Nation Welcome signalled the start to evening's program, with a special welcome to the Lytton team in attendance for tournament week.
Regional Politicians had a few moments for a few words, with MP Taylor Bachrach, MLA Jennifer Rice and City Councillor Wade Niesh in attendance for the Ceremonies on the evening, with welcomes for those in attendance.
Master of Ceremonies, Robert Russ provided for the narrative to the remarkable opening, taking the audience on a journey of Haida Culture and celebration.
One of the many highlights of the evening from the Haida opening, was a special Blanket Dance for the community of Lytton, with their team on hand to receive a donation from the audience of 5,797 dollars.
Another poignant moment on the evening was, The Women's Warrior Song which called for an end to violence against women and served to remember those who have gone missing from all of the Nations and their families.
The Mass Dance brought the Gymnasium to life as the Dance group performed for the first time in over two years.
The Haida also made a pair of tournament participants work for some lost items; with the audience determining when they could claim their misplaced items.
The Close to the evening saw the Haida hosts leave the Gymnasium with their tournament duties officially complete. The departure of the official party and organizers followed.
If you missed the Sunday showcase, CFNR has a restream of it available on their website
The ANBT organizers will announce which Nation will be the Opening Ceremony hosts for the 2023 edition on Friday.
The competition on the court for ANBT2022 also had its launch on Sunday, with the Women's Division taking to the court at the Russell Gamble Gymnasium and the Arena complex.
Today all four Divisions are in action and will continue on their path to Saturday's Championship showdowns.
Follow the tournament results through our archive page here.
Full accounts of the ANBT can be found from the tournament website. Facebook page and host broadcaster CFNR.
Cross posted from the North Coast Review.
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