For the romantic type, Feb. 14 marks possibly the most intimate day of the year, but for the reservation dogs, it means their favourite time of year is underway: the All Native Basketball Tournament. From Feb. 8–15, 2025, the 65th annual All Native Tournament took place, featuring six teams representing Haida Gwaii, as well as the Hydaburg Masters entering a team, along with upwards of 20 additional off-island Haidas on other rosters. Haida players made their presence known, earning at least one of every individual award across all divisions, including Senior division MVP and Master division high scorer.
Highlights from the All Native Tournament
The first Haida game took place early Saturday on the opening day, with the Old Massett Lady Raiders taking a commanding victory over Gitsegukla, 63-12. Later, the Skidegate Masters faced off against Lax Kw’alaams in their first game of the All Native Tournament, losing to former teammate and fellow Haida David Ryan and his Port Simpson squad, 87-58.
On the second day of All Native Tournament action, the Skidegate Intermediate squad began against Laxgalts’ap, winning 73-39. That afternoon, the sole Hydaburg squad squared off against Gingolx, easily taking the game 111-44. The final Haida team to play on the second day was the Old Massett Lady Raiders, already in their second game but falling to the perennial powerhouse Haisla ladies, 73-32.
The third day of action saw a full slate of Haida games. The Skidegate Intermediates opened with another 8 a.m. game, holding off Lax Kw’alaams 66-58. Meanwhile, the Old Massett Intermediates faced Haisla in the “Ice Box” gym, losing 92-71. Later that morning, the Old Massett Masters, with championship aspirations, were shockingly upset by a solid Gitwinksihlkw team, losing 91-81 and heading to the loser’s bracket earlier than expected.
In the afternoon, the Southern Masters defeated Terrace 70-58, while the Skidegate Seniors comfortably beat the Haisla Seniors 73-56.
On Tuesday, Feb. 11, all Skidegate teams rested, but Old Massett’s three squads played full schedules. The Old Massett Intermediates advanced past Bella Bella 84-75, and the Masters narrowly defeated New Aiyansh 76-69. Unfortunately, the Lady Raiders were eliminated by Greenville, losing 77-42.
On Wednesday, the Old Massett Masters eliminated Kincolith with a close 79-70 win. The Skidegate Intermediates then beat the Prince Rupert Cubs 56-51 in a thrilling game. Later, the Skidegate Seniors faced rival Kitkatla and their superstar Jacob Thom, but Kitkatla’s depth proved too much, winning 93-80.
At the Ice Box, the Skidegate Masters’ tournament ended with an 81-57 loss to Greenville. The Old Massett Intermediates also fell to reigning champs Metlakatla, Alaska, 99-73. Meanwhile, the Hydaburg Masters crushed Gitwinksihlkw 130-35.
On Thursday, Feb. 13, the Old Massett Intermediates suffered a narrow 80-78 loss to Lax Kw’alaams. The Old Massett Masters stayed alive, defeating Gitwinksihlkw 90-66, and Hydaburg outlasted Prince Rupert’s Masters 74-62 in a surprisingly close contest.
By Friday, only the strongest teams remained. The Skidegate Intermediates fell to Metlakatla 78-62, suffering their first loss. The Old Massett Masters avenged Skidegate’s earlier defeat to Lax Kw’alaams, winning 82-69. Later, the Skidegate Seniors faced Burnaby, whose roster included former Skidegate stars Jesse Barnes and the Jones brothers. Skidegate triumphed 81-72 to advance to the final.
The Skidegate Intermediates’ run ended in third place after losing 76-64 to Bella Bella. That evening, the Old Massett Masters fell to Prince Rupert 67-60, finishing third as well.
On the final day, Chris Campbell and the Prince Rupert Trojans edged out Hydaburg in a nail-biter, 79-75, despite Vinny Edenshaw’s remarkable 52 points.
The tournament concluded with the Burnaby Chiefs defeating Skidegate 88-57 in the Senior division final, led by Jesse Barnes’s dominant performance, earning him MVP honours and securing another title for Burnaby.