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SFU hosts World Indigenous basketball tournament

Simon Fraser University gym is playing host to an international congregation of basketball teams as part of the first-ever HaiCo World Indigenous Basketball Challenge, which started Wednesday and runs until Saturday.
SFU games
Simon Fraser University, which hosted a Native Basketball Festival last May, is the site for this weekend's inaugural HaiCo World Indigenous Basketball Challenge. The final is slated for Saturday at 8 p.m.

Simon Fraser University gym is playing host to an international congregation of basketball teams as part of the first-ever HaiCo World Indigenous Basketball Challenge, which started Wednesday and runs until Saturday.
The Skidegate Saints men’s basketball team in Haida Gwaii has organized a tourney which brings together Aboriginal teams from across North America, as well as indigenous and island nation teams from around the world.
The focus is not only some friendly competition between international competitors, but also a unique opportunity for culture sharing and teaching.
Teams from Bermuda, Zimbabwe, South Sudan, Zambia, Maori, Haiti, Oklahoma and Montana have made the journey, with games beginning 10:30 a.m. all the way until 9 p.m.
The new tournament stems from the success of the popular All-Native Tournaments in Prince Rupert, which the Skidegate Saints have won for the past five years. This tournament, which has been hosted annually for the last 55 years, has demonstrated incredible support and interest from fans—with over 180,000 people watching the championship game online last year.
 The inaugural HaiCo World Indigenous Basketball Challenge was also inspired by a visit from the Haida Gwaii team to New Zealand, to play against the Maori national team. This experience involved not only fierce competition, but also an invaluable and moving opportunity for cultural sharing.
It is this new tournament’s goal to continue to help nourish the connection between cultures from around the world, while competing at a sport they share a passion for.
The final for the 16-team tournament is scheduled for 8 p.m. on Saturday, with third-place being decided at a 3:30 p.m. game.
the final day will also include an Aboriginal High School all-star game at 5 p.m.
All games are being played in SFU’s West gym.


Saturday August 13th Final Games
Consolation Final: 2 p.m.
3rd Place Game: 3:30 p.m.
Aboriginal High School All-Star Game: 5 p.m.
Cultural Sharing: 6:30 p.m.
Final: 8 p.m.