“B is for Basketball” is the official book for this year’s All Native Basketball Tournament. It is the one of the first, if not the first, children’s book on Aboriginal basketball to be published in Canada.

Created as collaboration between the students and teachers of School District 50 Haida Gwaii, this beautifully-illustrated alphabet book will be opening ceremony of the All Native Tournament on the evening of Monday, February 7th at the Jim Ciccone Civic Centre in Prince Rupert.

A home-based launch will follow on Saturday, February 19th, 4pm at the Haida Heritage Centre at Kaay Llnagaay, Skidegate. Collector’s edition of the book will be on sale at both launches.

Aboriginal basketball is an integral part of life in BC’s aboriginal communities in the north. Prince Rupert’s annual All Native Basketball Tournament is the biggest event of the year that draws teams from as far as Alaska to North Vancouver.

The idea for a children’s book on aboriginal basketball came from parents in the Haida village of Skidegate. When selecting books for their new Aboriginal children’s library, they asked for a book on Aboriginal baseketball. Upon discovering that no such children’s books existed, School District 50 decided to create one, incorporating collaborative efforts between students and teachers.

“B is for Basketball” is the result of working partnership between School District 50, Literacy Haida Gwaii, local artist and illustrator Judy Hilgemann, and McKellar & Martin Publishing Group.

Children need to see themselves, their communities, and their passions reflected in quality children’s books. “B is for Basketball” makes this possible through its locally-relevant story and captivating illustrations of basketball in action and north coast scenery.

Governor General Award-Winner and world renowned Haida artist Robert Davidson, makes this significant book even more meaningful with his inspiring Foreward .
The collector’s edition of the book is made possible through Northern Savings Credit Union’s sponsorship. The trade edition will be available in March at major 3 of 3
bookstores. Profits from both editions will go into funding early learning programs on Haida Gwaii.

Contact persons: Alison Gear
(telephone: 250-559-8471 ext 8)
Early Learning Coordinator
School District 50
agearsd50.bc.ca

Beng Favreau (telephone: 250-559-8378)
Community Literacy Coordinator
Literacy Haida Gwaii
bfavreauthehub.literacy.bc.ca