‘The feeling is electric’: JANT kicks off with celebration in Snuneymuxw
More than 1,200 Youth players from 91 teams are set to compete in this year’s tournament from March 20 to 24
The Junior All Native Tournament (JANT) kicked off in Snuneymuxw territories on Sunday evening with an opening ceremony and celebration hosted by the First Nation.
Guests were welcomed to Frank Crane Arena by Snuneymuxw Councillor Bill Yoachim. Before the Youth athletes entered the building, a prayer was offered by Snuneymuxw Elder Lolly Good, who gently reminded the audience to always think of others.
As Good took her seat, the lights dimmed and smoke omitted from the entrance to welcome the 91 teams. Representing over 34 Nations — more than 1,200 Youth are set to compete in this year’s tournament.
Greeted by cheers and loud music, the Youth entered with signs representing their nations and team names. Many Youth danced, representing their respective clans.
The Tk’emlúps te Secwe̓pemc boys’ teams donned black and orange ribbon shirts, bringing enthusiastic cheers from the audience that shook the arena.
The games will take place at six different sites across “Nanaimo” this week, from March 20 to 24.
Canada’s First Nations Radio (CFNR) broadcaster Kiefer Collison said JANT has to be one of the largest Indigenous gatherings, not only in the country, but in the world.
All games are set to be livestreamed by CFNR, the official broadcaster for the JANT games.
“Basketball brings people to a lot of amazing places, and we’re just a couple of kids from the rez ourselves,” said Collison, who is from the Haida Nation.
“The feeling is electric. What an amazing thing for our people to have.”
Last year’s syilx hosts — also the defending champions — handed over the JANT basketball to Snuneymuxw athlete Jayden Thomas, who is playing for the U17 boys’ team, the Snuneymuxw Native Sons.
Wyse, who is the head coach for the U17 boys, welcomed the teams, their families and coaches to Snuneymuxw.
“The court has the power to bring us together from all walks of life. We are making history this year as we welcome 91 teams and 1200 young basketball players,” Wyse said.
“To the 2023 athletes, your training and personal will to compete is a tremendous accomplishment. You are carrying the teachings and hope of our Ancestors.”
Author
We live in a media ecosystem that thrives on misinformation. Big Tech and AI companies are consuming the work of real human beings and Canadian news has been banned on Facebook and Instagram.
And yet, I have hope for journalism because of the work we’re doing at IndigiNews.
At IndigiNews, we embody tâpwêwin — the Cree value of integrity and responsibility in truth-telling. We are committed to our independent, Indigenous-led newsroom rooted in community, accountability, and relationality. We believe storytelling is a sacred fire that connects our pasts, presents, and futures through the storytellers in our Storytelling Lodge. IndigiNews creates space for Indigenous journalists, storytellers, Knowledge Keepers, and communities to gather, learn, and share stories that matter.
As a registered charity, we are building a fire that allows our work not just to ignite but to thrive. Rather than relying on advertising or corporate acquisition, IndigiNews is sustained by people like you who believe Indigenous stories are important for the future of our communities.
Your support is making a real difference.
Our community of supporters, our Firekeepers, make it possible to grow our newsroom, publish award-winning journalism, train emerging Indigenous journalists through initiatives like the ReFocus Photojournalism Fellowship, and publish trustworthy stories that serve our communities across the country. Every story we publish helps fill in gaps left by mainstream media and ensures Indigenous perspectives are represented with care, accuracy and respect.
But there is still more work to do.
As the media landscape becomes more and more uncertain, community support is as necessary and essential as it’s ever been. Every new Firekeeper helps protect the independence of our newsroom and strengthens journalism that is accountable to our many and varied communities over corporations.
That’s why we’re inviting you to become a Firekeeper.
Firekeepers tend to and protect the sacred fire. Your monthly contributions directly support IndigiNews’s Storytelling Lodge, helps sustain our independent, Indigenous-led newsroom, and ensures future generations of Indigenous storytellers have the resources they need to do the work.
As a registered Canadian charity, all eligible donations receive a charitable tax receipt.
If you believe Indigenous stories matter, if you value independent journalism, and if you want to help build a strong future for Indigenous media, we invite you to join our circle of Firekeepers today.
Together, we can keep the fire burning.
— Eden Fineday, Publisher, IndigiNews
Support us nowLatest Stories
-
‘Newfoundland’ claims Europeans arrived before the Innu. ‘People don’t disappear,’ counters archeologist
Smithsonian archeologist Stephen Loring’s research is being disputed by the province’s own Archeology Office. He fears the government’s censorship of Innu history is being used ‘to promote a political agenda like land claims’
-
Winnipeg cops unveil ‘reconciliation’ cruiser — but critics are unimpressed
Force says the police car emblazoned with Indigenous art not for enforcement but education. Advocates say the gesture is ‘uncomfortable’ and ‘unsettling’ — especially amidst a drug-use crackdown they say targets Indigenous people
