‍TSUUT'INA FIRST NATION, Alta. (September 17, 2024) –  Canada Basketball, in partnership with the Aboriginal Sport Circle (ASC) and all associated Provincial/Territorial Aboriginal Sport Bodies (PTASB), announced today the launch of the inaugural National Indigenous Basketball Camp.

The National Indigenous Basketball Camp, will be held at Seven Chiefs Sportsplex on Tsuut'ina First Nation from September 26-30, 2024.

“Aboriginal Sport Circle is honoured to partner with Canada Basketball in launching the National Indigenous Basketball Camp, a transformative initiative that embodies our shared commitment to empowering Indigenous youth through sport,” said Vanessa McGregor, Interim Executive Director, Aboriginal Sport Circle. “This camp will not only provide elite basketball training but also foster leadership and cultural pride, ensuring that participants return to their communities as confident leaders and advocates for the game.” 

This camp is a testament to the collaborative partnership between Canada Basketball and the Aboriginal Sport Circle to provide Indigenous youth access to high-quality coaching and skill-building opportunities. Hosting the camp on Tsuut'ina First Nation promotes and celebrates Indigenous culture and broadens access to sports for Indigenous communities across Canada. This collaboration strengthens community ties, fosters ongoing cooperation between Indigenous communities and national sports organizations, and highlights the importance of Indigenous participation in sports on a national level.

“Canada Basketball is excited to partner with Aboriginal Sport Circle and Provincial/Territorial Aboriginal Sport Bodies across the country to launch the inaugural National Indigenous Basketball Camp later this month,” said Michael Bartlett, President & CEO of Canada Basketball.  “This camp is yet another example of our UNIFIED 2024 commitment to ensuring that basketball unifies people and our communities from coast-to-coast-to-coast.  On behalf of Canada Basketball, I’d also like to express my gratitude and appreciation to our partners and stakeholders for their support in helping to make this incredible event possible.”

The event invites Indigenous youth basketball athletes between the ages of 13 and 15 and Indigenous coaches from all 13 provinces and territories to come together for an elite leadership and basketball development experience.  Athletes will be evaluated by Canada Basketball high-performance coaches and staff to be invited to future national team training camps. 

The three-day camp will feature a unique blend of on-court training led by Canada Basketball's high-performance and national team coaching staff and nominated PTAB coach participants, as well as off-court leadership workshops and cultural activities designed to deepen participants' cultural connection.

Michael Linklater, a Canada Basketball alumni and recipient of the 2018 Tom Longboat Award, which recognizes Indigenous athletes for their outstanding contributions to sport in Canada, has been named the athlete ambassador for the camp. His role is to connect with the participants, sharing his experiences and insights to inspire them.

“It is an honour to have helped to make this a reality,” said Linklater. “The impact that this camp will have on these athletes will help them throughout their entire lives, both on and off the court.”

Linklater co-founded Sôhkisiwin Solutions, an award-winning strategy and integration firm focused on creating generational impact and supporting Indigenous communities and corporate Canada to collaborate for meaningful change and economic growth. Sôhkisiwin Solutions will work closely with Canada Basketball and Aboriginal Sport Circle on curriculum development and facilitation throughout the camp.

The purpose of the pilot project is not only to remove barriers to access to basketball by creating clear pathways to high-performance sport for Indigenous athletes in Canada but also to build competent and confident basketball leaders who will return to their communities to be champions and advocates for the growth of the game and cultivate new opportunities for youth to engage with basketball.

Indigenous Peoples' cultures are intertwined with traditions and spirituality, much of which is rooted in a profound connection to the land. These traditions often manifest through games and sports, offering not only physical benefits but also nurturing the spiritual and cultural well-being of Indigenous Peoples. In addition to on-court activities, the camp’s off-court component will strengthen community bonds and provide a holistic understanding of Indigenous traditions and values, ultimately enriching their experience beyond the court.

The National Indigenous Basketball Camp received funding from the Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) and International Olympic Committee (IOC).

The establishment of this event comes from a collective commitment from Canada Basketball and funding partners. It reflects Canada Basketball’s UNIFIED 2024 priorities for developing programs that foster inclusion and decrease barriers to accessing the game across Canada.

‍ABOUT CANADA BASKETBALL

Canada Basketball is the National Sporting Organization for the sport of Basketball in Canada. Canada Basketball is respected worldwide and recognized by the International Amateur Basketball Federation (FIBA) and the Government of Canada as the sole governing body of amateur basketball in Canada. Canada Basketball, a not-for-profit organization, represents all basketball interests and provides leadership, coordination and direction in all areas of basketball.

‍ABOUT ABORIGINAL SPORT CIRCLE

The Aboriginal Sport Circle (ASC) serves as a collective of Provincial and Territorial Sport Bodies that play a crucial role in guiding the direction and establishing the national priorities of the organization. As the recognized national voice for Indigenous peoples in sport, physical activity, recreation, and traditional practices, the ASC is dedicated to advancing the interests and needs of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities across Canada. By uniting these diverse groups under a common mission, the ASC fosters the development and promotion of culturally relevant sport and physical activity opportunities that respect and celebrate Indigenous traditions and values. This collaborative approach ensures that the unique perspectives and aspirations of Indigenous peoples are represented at the highest levels of sport and recreation policy-making in the country.