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Kelowna was the epicentre of youth basketball in BC last week as the 2025 edition of the Junior All Native Tournament (JANT) successfully took place.
According to the Syilx Okanagan Nation Alliance, the tournament was the largest Indigenous youth sports gathering in BC’s history.
The tournament saw 113 teams from more than 100 First Nations communities across the province compete for five days and play 278 games across seven divisions.
“The Jr. All Native Tournament has been a cornerstone event for over 40 years, uniting young athletes from First Nations communities to celebrate basketball and the values of sportsmanship, culture and community,” stated a press release from the Syilx Okanagan Nation Alliance.
“This year’s tournament marked several milestones, including the first-ever addition of a U10 division, an exciting move that introduces younger players to the competitive spirit of the event.”
The games took place at gyms all around Kelowna and West Kelowna after the opening ceremonies were held at UBCO.
“This year’s event was more than just a basketball tournament; it was a celebration of Indigenous culture and community,” added the press release.
“The gyms were packed with fans and families who came to support their athletes. The energy was palpable as players aged six to 17 competed with passion, and the atmosphere was filled with excitement, love and inspiration.”
The Vancouver Van City Warriors claimed the U17 boys title while the Nuxalk Nation, At’maakw Jr. Girls nabbed their third consecutive U17 title.
In the U13 girls gold division, the Snuneymuxw Islanders took first place while the Prince Rupert Coastal Pride nabbed the top spot in the boys field. The silver division saw the Maaqtusiis Suns win the girls title and the Xa’Isla team win the boys championship.
The Gitxsan Mini Mystics and Nuu-Chah-Nulth Tatuus were named the most sportsmanlike teams in the U13 gold girls and boys divisions.
The tournament is held every year during spring break and will be held in the Lower Mainland next year.