Two for the ANBT Hall as part of 2022 celebrations at the Russell Gamble Gymnasium

The 1993 Prince Rupert Women's Basketball Team
the First ever women's team to compete at the ANBT
(Screenshot from CFNR Feed, full video of the 
ceremony is available on the CFNR website)

They celebrated the stars and builders of the past at the All Native Basketball Tournament on Thursday evening, the half hour ceremony at Centre Court of the Russell Gamble Gymnasium paying tribute to those of the past who have contributed to the legendary moments of the past and built the sport and tournament to where it is today.

The event was hosted by ANBT Legend Wills Parnell who provided for the background narratives for each of the evening's guests of honour.

The first  to be paid tribute on Thursday was the Kaien Island Women's team, the First Winners of the Ladies Division back in 1993, their induction speech on the evening noting of the wide age of the first team from 12 to 17 years of age when they claimed their first championship.

The review of their spectacular play included notes on how they had also claimed three All Native Junior Championships as part of their journey. 

When it came time for the team to speak, Michelle Bryant noted of the dedication of coach Deb Jeffrey who guided them along their travels both on and off the court.

Judy Carlick Pearson also paid tribute to a former ANBT player Vera Hayward who passed away earlier this year, noting of her part in building the game for many in the Gymnasium.

One player on the Men's side of tournament play was on hand and also entered into the Hall of Fame George Robinson as a player with the New Aiyansh side 

Master of Ceremonies Parnell hailed Mr. Robinson as a skilled competitor who continues to play and coach to this day.

 In his comments Mr. Robinson paid tribute to his father who passed away in 2017 as wall as to  his support group of family and community through his thirty seven years of play.

Last fall the ANBT committee had also noted of plans to place Malcom Sampson from Port Simpson/Lax Kw'alaams in the Hall as a coach, with Thomas McKay to be enshrined as a builder.

The comments contribution to that Fall post providing for some energetic conversation as to who should be named in future years as the ANBT celebrates its past and those who have blazed the trail forward.

You can catch up with the Thursday evening ceremony through the CFNR All Native Basketball Home Page archive.

More notes on the tournament can be found from our archive page.