The Baller's Wife

Haidas spend the spring preparing and gathering. They spend the summers fishing. The fall is spent storing. The winters are spent feasting. This is pretty much how it has been for hundreds of years. However, in the last few decades the winter months have been brightened even more by another essential part of Haida life; basketball.

During the Nathan Young Memorial Tournament in Skidegate, Nov. 2009

Yes, basketball is very important to almost everyone on this island. I learned this even before I arrived on these islands in March 2009. Perhaps I am more a part of the basketball world as my fiance is one who battles it out on the court each and every tournament season. He takes basketball so seriously that even when on paternity leave in Nova Scotia, he got up on a ladder and removed our old hoop from it's place on the small shed and re-attached it to the large garage so he could practice his shots. The old hoop was more than happy to oblige after so many years of wasting away because it's owners got too tall for it's location. Upon returning to Skidegate in September, Willie resumed his training at the gym, playing with whoever showed up and drilling himself on the fundamentals of the game in his down-time. 

You may think it's alot of work to put into a game. If so, come visit during tournament season and you'll quickly change your mind. It's not simply a game. These tournaments bring together the entire island; Queen Charlotte, Skidegate, Tlell, Port Clements, and Masset. Young and old gather together on the court to punish the opposing team. The bleachers are full of spouses, cousins, aunties, chinnis, chiefs and elders. The space behind the bleachers is alive with children running around, playing their own versions of the game. The kitchen is hard at work preparing fried bread, spaghetti, fried rice, hot dogs, clam fritters, etc to feed the hungry spectators (and tired players). The atmosphere is so electric that it can wake up even the tiredest of people (I should know...). 

This past weekend marked the last of the tournaments before the All Native Basketball tournament in Prince Rupert, BC which is scheduled to take place in February. This tournament was, by far, the loudest, most action packed one I have witnessed to date. Why, you may ask? The teams were not just the regular intermediates, seniors or masters that play together on a regular basis. This tournament was for the clans. Taanu, Skedans, T'saahl, Juus, and two others I cannot remember right now. These players were representing their whole clans...and their whole clans came out to cheer them on. Talk about LOUD! Supporting their own is definitely something the Haida can do! I only made it to two games (I was preparing a turkey for the dinner on Saturday) but wow...I'm pretty sure they heard us in Alaska! 

Not everyone can stay awake to enjoy the excitement! Our daughter taking a break from cheering for Dad!

There are many events that are "must-sees" here on Haida Gwaii and I can definitely name some of my favourite ones to date, but attending a basketball tournament here in Skidegate or in Masset is at the top of my list. The atmosphere is contagious, the players fight for their titles (I wouldn't want to be a ref!) and the food is great! So next year, come join us for a game...you may leave with a new love of the game!