The 63rd All Native Basketball Tournament wrapped up in Prince Rupert with the Sr. Men’s Skidegate Saints clinching victory over Burnaby at the tournament.

It was a tight back and forth game from the first whistle, but late in the game two foul shots helped Skidegate break the 100-point mark to beat Burnaby 100 to 95, the 8th championship for the Skidegate Saints senior men’s team at the All Native. It's an achievement Captain Jason Alsop attributes to family and community.

“It's a brotherhood amongst the team, amongst the people of our community,” Alsop said following the game.

The tournament also saw a decisive win by visiting Similkameen over Kitamaat Village, 66 to 25 to clinch the game and decorate a new champion in the women’s division.

“It feels really good,” said Jade Montgomery, who's been coming to the tournament since she's was a child, watching her parents and aunties play before she got her start.  

“It's something we've been working on for a really long time and we've come close a few times now and so it feels even better now. It feels like a dream come true.”

Home town club Prince Rupert Chiefs took home the intermediate division banner in a stunning win over Skidegate 81 to 67. And New Aiyansh beat out Hydaburg from Alaska to win the Masters division 66 to 59.

But, of course, the All Native is not just about basketball: Peter Haugan, ANBT Chairperson, described the tournament as a big family reunion with basketball as the entertainment.

“It's not just about basketball, Haugan said. “A lot of people come here just to renew old acquaintances. People come and watch the opening ceremonies but don't watch much basketball. So it's quite a mix of events. I think one of the biggest aspects of the tournament is that it’s very village orientated.

Listen to the full interview below: