After a two-year hiatus for Covid, the annual Clan Tournament of basketball resumed this winter in HlGaagilda Skidegate with a competition that had the crowd on the edge of their seats right to the final buzzer.

The Skedans and Ts’aahl teams met in the championship game and finished regulation time in a tie; in overtime, Skedans narrowly pulled ahead and won the 2023 title, with supporters of the two clans doing their best to be the loudest cheering.

It was the 21st year for the tournament, a dream for founder Dan Burton who came up with the concept to bring the clan families together in mid-winter and also an opportunity to raise money. This year’s competition included seven men’s teams, two women’s teams and two youth teams.

Skidegate Rec coordinator Desi Collinson has taken over this tournament and really added to it by bringing in the strong cultural aspect and keeping it going solid. “The youth are so integral in keeping this tournament going,” said Desi. “They learn their history while they’re doing what they enjoy . . . We are all proud of being Haida . . . and it just creates that ripple effect for our young while our chiefs, matriarchs and elders watch from the sidelines.”

Dan Burton said the tournament has become “a source of pride for clans and an opportunity for some to find their place.”

He added: “It’s exciting as this year is the first one after Covid. To see the youth that are up and coming into the game for their clans. I really enjoyed seeing my son Levi this year and watching all the young ones and the ‘old’ guys play for one more hurrah.”

Mike James has been an official for over 30 years covering basketball across Canada. He said the passion of the participants and the organizers is remarkable. “Every person in the building has a passion to be there to support family, friends, their community or their culture. It is an experience that is incomparable to any tournament I have experienced and will keep me wanting to return.”

2023 All Native

The Skidegate Senior Saints team brought the same level of passion last month to this year’s 63rd annual All Native Basketball Tournament in Prince Rupert, as they won the Senior Division championship banner for 2023.

Making their presence known, this veteran squad played a total of five games, culminating in a finals matchup against the Burnaby Club. Once again the Saints hit the floor with the kind of determination that we have seen many times throughout their years playing together in Juniors, Intermediates and now the Senior Veterans. The final score was 100-95 for the Saints.

Congratulations Senior Saints of Skidegate!