Indigenous Hoops League

We had the opportunity to sit down with Alice Rearden of Calista Education & Culture to discuss the organization’s educational and cultural initiatives during the inaugural Messenger Tournament. Alice shared insights into the programs and opportunities Calista provides to support communities across the region. She also highlighted the importance of integrating cultural values and traditions with athletics, emphasizing how the combination of culture and sports can serve as a powerful tool for youth development, leadership, and community engagement.

🏀✨ Conversations with Auntie HOOPS ✨🏀
This week on Conversations with Auntie HOOPS, Mildred Temple opens up about family, basketball, and community wellness.
Mildred shares heartfelt reflections on the power of family, the impact of basketball in bringing people together, and the importance of prioritizing mental health within our communities. Her message is a reminder that healing, connection, and support are just as important as the game itself.
🎥 Join us as Mildred shares wisdom, strength, and hope from the heart of the Yuut Basketball Tournament in Bethel, Alaska.

We had the honor of sitting down with Jenine (Capenruilnguq) Heakin of Calista Education & Culture to discuss the importance of preserving and sharing the Yup’ik way of life with future generations.

During our conversation, Jenine reflected on the teachings passed down from her grandparents and emphasized the vital role that culture, language, and traditional values play in shaping and strengthening our youth today.

She also extended a warm invitation to return to Bethel for The Messenger 2: Where Culture Meets Competition, a unique event that brings together basketball, cultural education, and community celebration while honoring the traditions that continue to guide and inspire future generations.

🏀 Conversations with Auntie HOOPS 🏀
Hoops. Culture. Community.
The young men from Pilot Station, Alaska, sat down to talk about their time at the Yuut Basketball Tournament in Bethel. Their stories centered around the people who matter most—their families, community, and those who inspire them to keep pushing forward.
Different stories, one powerful message: Never give up.
These young athletes remind us that resilience, culture, family, and community are the foundation of success.