Indigenous events in Calgary recognize kickstart Aboriginal Awareness week

Several events in Calgary were held Saturday ahead of the kickstart to Aboriginal Awareness week beginning Sunday.

Several events in Calgary were held Saturday ahead of the kickstart to Aboriginal Awareness week beginning Sunday.

At the YMCA in Seton, the annual Indigenous Youth Hoops tournament took place, with 18 teams competing with boys and girls on the same team.

“It gives a highlight to sport like basketball in particular with indigenous youth, especially our female ballplayers,” said Serena Provost, Indigenous manager with YMCA Calgary.

“They don't always get as much recognition as as the males do.”

Isaiah Peacemaker is 27. He first attended the tournament when he was 16.

He says as a returning player, its his time to give back to the next generation.

“I remember when I used to come watch a lot of the older guys come play, I really looked up to a lot of those older Indigenous men,” he said.