The Blackfoot Invitational successfully returns after long hiatus

Billed officially as “The Return of the Blackfoot Invitational”, the Siksika basketball staple went off without a hitch. The 20+ teams began play Thursday afternoon, kicking off 3 days of ball spread out between the Deerfoot Sportsplex gymnasium and at the Siksika High School. The Men’s and Women’s tournaments featured 11 and 8 teams respectively from all over Alberta, Saskatchewan, BC, and Montana. Both tournaments came to a close on Saturday evening followed by an official closing ceremony.

Results

Mens:                                                              Womens:

1st place: Van City, Vancouver                     1st place: Creefoots

2nd place: Kainai Huskies                           2nd place: Skoden

3rd place: NDN Family                                  3rd place: 406 Natives

The Calgary Surge

Calgary’s newest professional sports team, The Calgary Surge were also on-site for the Blackfoot Invitational as they joined in on Friday’s opening ceremony and festivities. “We’re honored to be here in partnership and friendship,” says Vice-Chairman & President of the team, Jason Ribeiro. In proper Blackfoot hospitality Ribeiro was also honored in ceremony with a traditional name, Aapaamskoomapii, which translates in English to “Across the ocean boy”

SHS Staff, Elder Clement Leather, and Calgary Surge Delegates pose for photo after Jason Ribeiro’s naming ceremony

Thank you

To all who played, watched, and supported The Blackfoot Invitational. Siksika Health Services specially congratulates The Blackfoot Invitational Committee on a successful tournament and the Calgary Surge ahead of their inaugural season.

For more tournament info and history read more here: https://siksikahealth.com/programs-services/parks-recreation-services/blackfoot-invitational/