Over 870 First Nations youth are bringing their basketball talents to Kelowna for the annual Junior All Native Tournament (JANT) from Mar. 20-25.  

It is one of the largest gatherings of young First Nations athletes from across BC, as more than 15 bands and 65 teams will be taking part.

“This annual tournament is about much more than basketball, it’s a thread that has connected our communities for many years,” said Tournament Director Tara Montgomery. “It also provides an opportunity to foster and promote wellness, sportsmanship, leadership and nation pride amongst First Nations youth.”

Two age brackets, under 13 and under 17 will be used for both boys and girls. 

Games will be played in four high school gyms across the city: Rutland Secondary School, Okanagan Mission Secondary, Kelowna Secondary School and Quigley Elementary School. 

There will be an opening ceremony on Sunday, beginning at 6pm at the main UBCO gymnasium. Admission is free, and will feature speeches and musical performances.

Games will run Monday to Friday, from 10:30am through until 5:30pm. Admission costs $10 a day or $30 for the whole tournament. 

Gladys Fraser, one of the tournament organizers, is excited to finally see the tournament back. 

“It’s about getting communities together,” Fraser told KelownaNow. “It presents an opportunity for youth to get actively involved in positive and healthy activities.”

Syilx Basketball last hosted JANT in 2017. It has been postponed since 2019 due to COVID concerns. 

For more information on the tournament, please click this link.