Thousands were at Frank Crane Arena on Sunday night to officially kick off JANT 23, with 91 teams from First Nations across the province attending. (Alex Rawnsley/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Alex Rawnsley

game on

Junior All Native Tournament opens in Snuneymuxw

Mar 20, 2023 | 5:25 AM

SNUNEYMUXW — After months and months of planning and preparations, it’s finally time for tip-off

JANT 23, the Junior All Native basketball Tournament, is the largest event of its kind in B.C. and is bringing together 91 teams from B.C. First Nations to Snuneymuxw, beginning with opening ceremonies held at Frank Crane Arena on Sunday, March 19.

Games will be played across boys and girls divisions at two age levels. Boys u17 assistant coach Isaac Thomas told NanaimoNewsNOW the tournament experience is generational for the community.

“There’s been strong Snuneymuxw representation at the youth Junior All Native level for the past 12 to 15 years and it’s a wonderful thing to see the generations keep on going from grandparents to parents, and the children now.”

Jolene Lucas, a member of the girls u13 Snuneymuxw team is set for competition at JANT 2023. (Snuneymuxw First Nation)

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Most of his squad, led by head coach Chief Mike Wyse, are 17 years old and will age out of the division this year. He said the vibe and excitement around the team is palpable.

In addition to competition on the floor, the event is one of major cultural significance.

Thomas said the boys program is focused on ensure cultural teachings and values are reflected on court.

“We’ve mixed in a few younger boys as well to get that cycle going for the next crop, so to speak. We’re always thinking about the future generations so it’s a wonderful thing to always tie our historical, cultural teachings…it’s woven through coaching the boys.”

Snuneymuxw will be represented in three of the four divisions, with the Nation not presently fielding a u17 girls team.

Thomas said it’s something Snuneymuxw “is really missing” and he wants to see in the future, to provide a place for older Snuneymuxw female athletes to compete, and a goal for younger ones to aim for.

Snuneymuxw First Nation Chief Mike Wyse welcomes participants and visitors to the region during opening ceremonies on Sunday, March 19. (Alex Rawnsley/NanaimoNewsNOW)

Organizers are heralding the event as a major economic boost for the region.

Upwards of 10,000 to 15,000 people are expected in the region with each of the 90+ teams bringing 15 to 17 players with parents and extended family following.

Hotel rooms up and down Vancouver Island are seeing increased capacity as a result of the influx, according to Thomas.

He said the event is projected to be one of the biggest in quite some time.

“To have that many villages come across the province, it definitely opens up the eyes of some of exactly how many First Nations we have here and to host the other villages is a wonderful thing, to share our culture and region with them.”

Tournament games are being played at five school gyms across Nanaimo as well as the Snuneymuxw Recreation and Wellness Centre.

The finals will be held Friday, March 24.

During Sunday’s opening ceremonies, Wyse announced Canadian Tire’s Jump Start program will donate $1,000 to each of the teams participating, for a total donation value of $91,000.

Chief Mike Wyse (right) is joined on stage to make the Jump Start announcement, with $91,000 being donated to participating teams. (Alex Rawnsley/NanaimoNewsNOW)

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