The Nisga’a Nation is hosting a weekend-long women’s varsity basketball tournament, inviting four teams to compete on its territory. The games are being held in the villages of Gitlax̱t’aamiks, Laxgalts’ap, and Gingolx, located about 100 kilometers north of Terrace, B.C.
This tournament offers a chance for cultural exchange between Nisga’a citizens and the visiting teams. Chester Munroe, the Nisga’a sports and recreation director, emphasized the importance of showcasing high-level women’s basketball, especially for youth. “This is the first time ever that varsity basketball is coming to our nation,” he noted.
Teams from UBC-Okanagan, Regina University, and Alberta’s Mount Royal and MacEwan universities are participating. Each team represents one of Nisga’a’s four clans: Laxsgiik (Eagle), Laxgibuu (Wolf), Ganada (Raven), and Gisk’aast (Killerwhale). Munroe expressed a desire for the tournament to grow in future years, hoping it will help players learn about the Nisga’a Nation and its language.
In addition to the tournament, there is a basketball training camp for locals led by university coaches. Participants aged three to 40 are expected to attend. Tournament organizer Alan Nutini mentioned that varsity players also held workshops for local youth, visiting Nisga’a schools on Friday to play basketball and build relationships.
Nutini runs youth basketball camps in the summer, focusing on life skills alongside athletic training. He said the athletes were briefed on key messages to share with the kids, such as teamwork and commitment.
The tournament occurs just before National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and includes opening and closing ceremonies hosted by the Nisga’a Nation. Nutini hopes that the university athletes will return to share their experiences.
“It was fun to see little kids playing basketball alongside these varsity players,” he added, noting the enjoyment of everyone involved.
Munroe expressed a wish for the athletes to leave feeling connected to the Nisga’a people. “We want them to know that our nation is always open. We are here to host you in any way possible, whether it’s through playing basketball or touring our territory,” he said.
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