National Indigenous Basketball Camp: A Transformative Experience

I recently had the incredible honor of being invited to coach at the National Indigenous Basketball Camp, hosted by Canada Basketball in partnership with the Aboriginal Sport Circle. This inaugural event was held on the beautiful Tsuut'ina First Nation, near Calgary, and brought together some of the top male and female Indigenous athletes and coaches from across the country. It was a remarkable experience, filled with high-level basketball, leadership development, and the celebration of Indigenous culture.

From the moment the camp started, you could feel the energy and excitement in the air. The day kicked off with a blessing and an opening ceremony that set a powerful tone of unity and respect. What followed was an intense and competitive morning in the gym where we focused on individual development and 1v1 play. The athletes were incredibly talented and hardworking, and their eagerness to learn was inspiring. After a lunch break, we dove into teaching motion and spacing concepts, which we put to the test in scrimmages. To cap off the day, the coaches—myself included—couldn't resist getting in a quick game of our own, showing the athletes how to "play like a girl" with pride!

That evening, we were treated to two incredible guest speakers: Ashley Callingbull, the first-ever Indigenous Miss Universe Canada and Sam McCracken, the CEO of Nike N7. They both shared powerful stories about the importance of identity, culture, and sport in shaping who we are and what we can achieve. Their talks deeply resonated with the athletes and coaches alike, reminding us that basketball is more than just a game—it's a tool for empowerment and change.  

On Day Two, we introduced a 3x3 segment, which Michael Linklater and I had the pleasure of leading. 3x3 basketball is a fast-paced, exciting format that really allows athletes to showcase their skills and creativity. We taught them systems and actions, and the athletes rose to the challenge, embracing the chance to "show their sauce" on the court. The session was a hit, and it was amazing to see the athletes take to the game so naturally.

To wrap up Day Two, we were invited to participate in a traditional sweat ceremony, just a short distance from the gym. It was a deeply spiritual and grounding experience that I will forever be grateful for. It was a beautiful reminder of the rich traditions that are woven into Indigenous culture and the important role that sport can play in connecting us all.

The National Indigenous Basketball Camp was more than just an opportunity to develop elite basketball talent—it was a chance to foster leadership, cultural pride, and community. I'm so proud to have been a part of this transformative event and to witness firsthand the bright future that lies ahead for these young athletes.