Ruth Hopkins: Basketball is a big part of life in Indian Country

Shooting hoops and cheering on young relatives competing in regional and state tournaments is fun, but for some, basketball isn’t just a game. It’s a lifestyle.

For Michael Linklater, basketball was a means to escape poverty and oppression. Michael, Thunderchild Cree, is from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. He didn’t have it easy as a child. He grew up in the inner city. Still, he defied all stereotypes. Michael’s abstained from drugs and alcohol his entire life. He was raised by his grandparents, and credits his strong sense of identity from being grounded in his culture. He’s never cut his hair and regularly participates in ceremony.

Today, Michael is the epitome of a positive role model for Native youth. He set goals and accomplished them all. While attending the University of Saskatchewan, he was the Captain of the basketball team, and led them to their first championship. He’s played basketball professionally, for the IBL’s Edmonton Energy. This past Fall he played in a World Allstar Tournament in the United Arab Emirates. Linklater is also a part of a four-man team that qualified for a 3X3 World Tour Tournament. They are the only team that qualified from Canada and he is ranked #1 in North, Central, and South America.