all native basketball tournament

I know, I know....Basketball?  But trust me, the All Native Basketball Tournament is Prince Rupert's biggest event of the year and not to be missed. Beyond the fact that it attracts  over 50 teams from all over British Columbia (and their fans), the entire event feels like a big festival that includes an Opening Ceremony, vendors, performances and incredible food.

The tournament is always held in Prince Rupert and has origins dating back to 1947.  It began with Intermediate and Senior Men's divisions, but expanded twenty years ago to include a Master's and a Women's tournament as well.  Learn more about the tourney here.

To be honest, I know pretty much nothing about basketball.  At best, I could probably  name a handful of NBA players (including, if we're being totally honest, Bryant 'Big Country' Reeves and I am pretty sure he hasn't played in the NBA since he was a Vancouver Grizzly)...but the All Native tournament was huge fun.  The caliber of play seemed high (to me at least) and the crowds were phenomenal (despite the fact that most of my game photos were taken during early morning games with small crowds, most games were packed).  I love jumping on a good band-wagon and here it was very easy to do!

Definitely the highlight of the week was attending the Opening Ceremonies.  We were incredibly lucky to be given a pair of free tickets to this sold-out event and I am so glad we went.  Each year, a different nation is responsible for the ceremonies and this year it was the Haida.  Imagine 60+ Haida drummers and singers, plus another 100 or so dancers all dressed in cedar woven hats, blankets and masks.  Just wow.

Moments from the Opening Ceremonies

The Haida began with a scene depicting Gagiit- a sasquatch like creature

Then all the teams entered, many dancing their way in, and pretty soon the entire gymnasium floor was packed.   As the teams exited, the entire floor burst into bouts of dancing as the Haida continued the celebration.  More wow.

Players entering to the sound of drums

All the teams lined up on the court.

Just as you thought it was done, the Haida performers literally erupted in dancing.

I spent part of the week doing outreach for work at the festival (many groups and organization have booths set up), so I watched a fair number of the Master's and Women's games which were held in the same area.  My professional demeanor went out the window when I was screaming as the Greenville women's team won right at the buzzer!

A small crowd at one of the early morning Master's game. 

As fun as the week was, I do however have three regrets that I will try my best to remedy next year:
1) Bring my SLR to the Opening Ceremonies...my little point and shoot camera didn't really do it justice.  Check out some of the event photography from Full Moon Photo here.
2) Try harder to get my hands on one of the clam fritters! Apparently they are amazing, but were always sold out when I went for a snack. 
3) Attend the finals.  I'm sorry we missed them this year as I am sure the games and the energy in the crowd is something to experience.

Trying out whipped soapberries