By Nate Bisson
64 tribes from across the country competed in this year’s 5th annual Battle of the Nations basketball tournament located in Spokane, Washington. On April 4th, teams met at Spokane Casino for mandatory check-ins, followed by a grand entry ceremony and live drawing for game times.
The grand entry started with an honoring of flags by Indigenous Veterans, followed by songs and dances as all tribes were introduced and welcomed onto the floor.
This basketball tournament is very unique in that Tribal members can only play with the tribe they are enrolled in. Tribal IDs are verified at check ins on the first day. The tournament director and creator is Spokane tribal member Jerry Ford Redbone.
On April 5th, Muckleshoot faced off against Skokomish in the first round and won by more than 20 points. Next, we battled against Blackfeet Nation and won by 20 as well.
On April 6th, we fought hard against Lapwai Nation, but came up short losing by 10. Lapwai ended up finishing 4th place in the tournament. Our final game was also on April 6th, we played a very tough Coeur d’Alene Tribal team and lost.
Out of 64 Tribal Nations, Muckleshoot finished in the top 16 teams in the country. We’re hoping to return next year and improve our ranking.
WINNERS:
MUCKLESHOOT TEAM ROSTER:
Muckleshoot Tribal Council Secretary Jessica Garcia-Jones and Councilmember Louie Ungaro traveled to San Diego, California, Aug.7-8 to represent the Tribe at the DCCC Leader’s Circle Weekend and Issues Conference at Torrey Pines.
The Muckleshoot Indian Tribe welcomed dancers, singers, families and visitors from across Indian Country for its annual Sobriety Powwow, held July 24 through 26 at the Muckleshoot Powwow Grounds in Auburn.
Muckleshoot Youth and teens had the opportunity to learn from Seattle Seahawks cheerleaders during a special dance clinic Monday, Aug. 3, at the Muckleshoot Community Center.
The Muckleshoot Indian Tribe welcomed health and wellness professionals from across Indian Country Aug. 4 and 5 for Native Fitness 20, marking the first time the long-running training was hosted at a Tribal entity.
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