The 2012 BC Junior All Native Basketball Tournament is now underway, with 51 teams from across the province tipping off at three different venues.
The event, which is hosted by reigning B.C. champions Homiss Wolves of Hesquiaht First Nation, kicked off on Sunday at Athletic Hall. The last time the event took place in Port Alberni was in 2009 at old Athletic Hall, and this was the first mega-event to take place at the new hall, which opened one year ago.
Photos: http://www.hashilthsa.com/gallery/opening-ceremony-bc-junior-all-natives-3
Shortly before 5 p.m., organizers began marshalling teams in the foyer of the new hall as the host nation, Hesquiaht, led by elder Simon Lucas, sang and drummed in procession to the head of the hall.
With more than 500 athletes, coaches, families and supporters to drum into the hall, the Hesquiaht singers held the song and the beat for a full, thunderous 45 minutes.
Introducing each team were co-emcees Martin Watts of Tseshaht First Nation and celebrity guest, actor Justin Rain from the APTN series Blackstone. When the overflow crowd was finally seated, Hesquiaht elder Julia Lucas delivered a prayer in Nuu-chah-nulth.
Recognizing that Athletic Hall is located in the traditional territories of both Hupacasath and Tseshaht First Nations, each nation offered a welcoming song and dance, along with greetings from their leaders.
“We are Hupacasath and we are few in number, but we are happy that you are here,” Ron Hamilton said, following the Hupacasath welcoming song.
Pointing out the guest emcee, elected Chief Councillor Stephen Tatoosh quipped, “Why I’m here, I think my daughters and nieces want an autograph from someone here.”
Tatoosh then turned serious.
“You athletes have chosen a path of self-sacrifice, sweat, pain and hard work. This is the path our people have followed for thousands of years,” Tatoosh said. “All you young people are role models for our children. Play hard and rest hard.”
Tatoosh was followed by the singers and dancers of Tseshaht First Nation. Caught up in the energy of the Tseshaht welcoming song, emcees Watts and Rain joined the dancers, and that, in turn, drew members of the visiting teams into a long, spontaneous procession circling the front of the gym.
“I haven’t felt this kind of a buzz in a room since I went to an AC/DC concert a few years back,” Tseshaht Chief Councillor Les Sam observed. “We cannot say how pleased we are to bring you all here. We know your experience here will be a great one. Take that message back to the whole province of B.C. I could say, may the best team win, but you are all winners in my eyes right now.”
Following Sam’s welcome, all 14 Nuu-chah-nulth nations were invited to sing the “Nuu-chah-nulth National Anthem,” prior to a welcome from Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council Vice-President Priscilla Sabbas-Watts on behalf of herself and for President Cliff Atleo. She delivered her greeting with her two-month-old baby in her arms.
“I have a number of family members on various teams,” she said, directing her attention to the young athletes. “There are a lot of small children who are going to be watching you, and they aspire to be like you. You are their role models.”
MLA Scott Fraser said he was a little overwhelmed by the size and the energy of the gathering.
“I’ve been Aboriginal Affairs critic in the Legislature for seven years, and this is the coolest event I’ve been to,” he said.
Fraser suggested the Nuu-chah-nulth phrase Hishuk ish Tsawalk, which means "everything is one" could be the watchword for competitors at the tournament.
“It’s about teamwork,” he said. “You will be the future leaders in the province, and it is a bright future, I can see.”
Following a greeting by acting Port Alberni Mayor Rob Cole, Hesquiaht Chief Councillor Victor Amos expanded on the prospects for the young athletes.
“I feel good when I look around this room. You are the future of this province,” Amos said, stroking his silvery hair. “You’ve got all these people with grey hair like this that are going to be retiring in the next 10 years, so you’re going to have to replace them. We want you to go to bed feeling good about your future.”
Tournament coordinator Bruce Lucas, who also coaches the host Homiss Wolves, paid tribute to the many volunteers who made the BC 2012 Junior All Natives happen.
“It took a lot of hard work and a lot of months to get to this point,” Lucas said.
Lucas honoured a series of long-time basketball supporters with tournament jackets, including Eliza and Pauline Terbasket, and Vera Gabriel of Penticton First Nation. He then introduced a young player, Adonis David, who has been stricken with symptomatic lupus.
“This would have been his last year in junior,” coach Francis Frank said. “What he would like to say is, ‘value what you have–your ability to play.’ It is so important to be able to compete. And remember, you wouldn’t get where you are without the support of your parents.
“Thank you for honouring this young man. I am sure this young man will be back, and will be at the All Natives in [Prince] Rupert next year.”
Frank also introduced “Auntie” Vi and “Uncle” Willie George, who can name relatives in most of the 14 Nuu-chah-nulth nations.
“They have grandparents’ prerogative. They can cheer for whatever team they want,” Frank quipped.
Also receiving jackets were George and Gwen David and Wally Samuel Sr.
“I’ve been doing this since 1981,” Samuel said, “With your parents, and your grandparents.”
Singled out for special honours was Bill Surry for his many hours of volunteer service at Athletic Hall. Surry’s appearance drew a spontaneous song from the Hesquiaht hosts, and in Nuu-chah-nulth custom Surry danced for his jacket.
Final honours fell to a trio of Hesquiaht basketball supporters whose service dates back over four decades: Pat and Mamie Charleson and the coach’s own father Charlie. Charlie Lucas delivered his greetings and acknowledgements in Nuu-chah-nulth and English.
To the athletes, Charlie summed up his advice: “Respect the people. Respect the land you walk on.”
To the guest nations: “I’m glad you enjoyed our culture. Remember, you all have cultures of your own. Respect the gym. Respect the hall.”
Emcee Justin Rain urged the young athletes to embrace their culture and their creativity.
“Raise your arm if you’re an artist,” he invited the players. A small number of hands rose into the air.
“Raise your arm if you’re on Facebook,” he said. This time a host of hands were lifted.
“Somehow, that’s wrong,” Rain observed, adding that in his view, everyone should express themselves through artistic pursuits. “If we’re not creating, we’re destroying.”
The actor then polled the audience for a show of hands a second time. “Artist? Facebook? That’s better.”
Following his address, Rain, a member of Sakimay Cree Nation, said he was a little overwhelmed with the energy of the event.
“This is my first tournament. I usually go to youth conferences, often as a guest speaker,” he said.
Action kicks off at three venues this morning and runs all week. The finals will take place on Friday at Athletic Hall, with the girls at 1 p.m., followed by the boys at 2:30.
More photos: http://www.hashilthsa.com/gallery/opening-ceremony-bc-junior-all-natives-2
More photos: http://www.hashilthsa.com/gallery/opening-ceremony-bc-junior-all-natives
