The organizers, players, fans and host community of the Nisga'a Nation all got a shout out in the BC Legislature on Tuesday, that as the final preparations get underway for the 2024 All Native Junior Basketball Tournament in Terrace in less than two weeks.
Skeena MLA Ellis Ross provided for the history lesson for the Legislature on the much anticipated event that will bring Indigenous youth to the Skeena Valley for some high tempo basketball.
In 1947, the Prince Rupert All Native Tournament was actually created in Prince Rupert.
Fourty years later, the Junior All Native boys and girls basketball tournament took shape, with the top teams from each zone earning the right to go to the Junior All Native provincials.
Over the past few years, the zone competitions were eliminated and any First Nation could attend the provincials, making it one of the biggest tournaments in B.C.
Not many First Nations can host these provincial in their communities anymore, so partnerships with neighbouring towns are imperative.
Towards this years' event, Mr. Ross highlighted the host duties for the Nisga'a Nation and a bit of a preview of what fans can expect for the week long event during Spring Break.
In 2024, the Nisga'a Nation is this year's host in Terrace, B.C. There will be over 1,200 athletes, with 80 teams, coming to Terrace to compete in four divisions from March 18-22, joined by their families and fans.
The economic impact of these tournaments is huge, whether it be basketball, hockey or soccer.
In 2023, the Laxgalts'ap won the under-17 boys title, Nuxalk won the under-17 girls championship, the Vancouver Island Seawolves won the under-13 boys and the Cowichan Surge won the under-13 girls.
Ross also noted of the importance of the sport to First Nations Communities and how it has changed many lives over the decades.
If it wasn't for basketball, my life would have taken a drastic direction. I would have been a statistic that we read so much about in terms of First Nations' youth and adults.
As an adult, I went from playing to coaching, and I tried to give the next generation the same experience I had as a young Indigenous youth growing up on a reserve or in an urban setting.
Sports, music and academics are what I encourage youth to get involved in, especially with discipline, and in today's world, where the distractions much more severe than when I was growing up.
As a player, parent and past coach, I wish all the participants and fans the best possible experience.
Enjoy your time together, and take your lessons learned in this tournament, as important life lessons for your future. Congratulations to Terrace and Nisga'a Nation.
You can watch the MLA's presentation to the Chamber from the Legislature Video archive below:
Follow the Nisga'a Lisims Government Social media page for updates on the way to the tourney tip off mid month.
Over ninety teams have registered for the week of basketball in Terrace making use of a number of facilities in the city.
More notes on the All Native Junior Tournament from host broadcaster CFNR can be reviewed here.
The Opening Ceremonies take place on Sunday March 17, the tournament wraps up March 22nd.
A review of the work of MLA's from the Northwest in Victoria is available here.
Cross posted from the North Coast Review.
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