ANBT 61 celebrates the Nations with another spectacular opening, setting the stage for a week of Basketball

The Big Show is in town. The 61st edition of the All Native Basketball
Tournament is underway at the Jim Ciccone Civic Centre

Another three hour showcase of First Nations dancing and music ushered in the 2020 edition of the All Native Basketball Tournament on Sunday evening, with Tourney number 61 receiving a grand opening to set the pace for the week ahead.

Focused on the Canoe Journey of 2019, the parade of athletes mixed with the journey, twin themes in a single stream, filling the floor of the Russell Gamble Gymnasium shortly after the 8PM opening.

The evening took place in front of a Sold Out Gymnasium and featured solemn remembrances of the Missing and Murdered women, many of the participants delivering a powerful message through their faces, painted in red in remembrances.

There was an element of politics as well, with mentions of the ongoing dispute in the Wet'suwet'en territory not far from the current of the evening, the issue made mention on more than one occasion.

Members of the Organizing committee did a good job of keeping the event flowing well, with hereditary chiefs and representatives of local, provincial and federal politics all on hand for a few  words of welcome and to support to the goal of a safe and enjoyable tournament.

As well, the name of the Host community for the Opener to the 2021 tournament was announced with the Haida now set to work out their plans for one year's time in Prince Rupert.

From there the evening was turned over to the host dancers dancers, singers and drummers for 2019 making for the magic of another memorable opening.

The 2020 Opening team received some significant appreciation for their efforts both in applause from the crowd and the deliver of the receipts from the Organizing committee, presented to the group just prior to their final performance for the night.

Play in the tournament actually got underway prior to Sunday's Opening Ceremony and the teams were back to the courts for a full day of play in all four brackets.

Tomorrow evening marks the Hall of Fame ceremony, where the class of 2020 will take their place with the players of the past.

CFNR Radio is the host broadcaster and has been stream casting the events since Sunday morning, you can access their schedule and video streams here.

For more notes on the tournament see our archive page here.

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