The District of Kitimat and the Haisla Nation once again join forces to host another traditional sporting event in northwest B.C.
The 19th annual Kitamaat Open Basketball Tournament is scheduled for Apr. 17 to 19, with games taking place at various venues in Kitimat and Haisla communities.
The tournament began in 2005 as a small community initiative led by Ellis Ross, Keith Nyce and Joe Iannarelli.
Organizers said the success of the tournament is attributed to its focus on bringing people together through sports and culture.
The event builds on strong momentum from previous years. In 2025, Kole Squared won the men’s division, while the women’s division was won by Haisla after a competitive weekend of games was played.
The MVP honors for the men’s division were awarded to Kai Leighton, while McKenna Stevens received the same honors for the women’s division. Other honors included defense, hustle, and inspiration.
The organizers also noted that official updates are posted on the tournament’s Facebook page, which is run by the tournament’s volunteers, and that the public should be cautious of unofficial pages with similar names.
