By Sarah Tone, Communications Coordinator
Team Toba’s men’s basketball team has an extra set of coaching hands this year at the 2022 Canada Summer Games.
Keith Mason is part of the Aboriginal Apprentice Coaching Program, which allows Indigenous coaches to gain experience at national-level competitions and grow their coaching resumes.
With the 10th annual North American Indigenous Games coming up next summer this experience will be invaluable as he leads the Manitoba men’s basketball team in Halifax.
Keith is originally from Fisher River, but life and school have him calling Winnipeg home. His “sisters” Robyn and Skylar Boulanger have both been standouts for the U of W women’s Wesman, so basketball definitely runs in the family. Keith himself still “laces them up” in a men’s league alongside players he used to coach.
A long-time coach, “My Mom told me I was coaching my brother’s team and it was not an option!” This taught Keith a whole new perspective on the game that he had not really thought of before and it made him a better player as well. Keith has been coaching for 15 years and looks forward to giving back to sport for many more. The chance to become part of the apprentice program was an opportunity that Keith could not pass up.
Keith is also the male head coach/manager of the Anishinabe Pride basketball club team. The team blends the traditional seven sacred teachings with sport for the betterment of the players.
Keith is Indigenous Cree from the O’check wi sipi First Nation, and both his culture and community are very important to him. He sees sport as a way for Indigenous youth to stay connected to positive people who can help them navigate the challenges the kids face. Sports have been a big part of Keith’s life and have helped him be successful in life.
Keith is always ready to talk about the players he has coached, and how they are now parents and their kids feel like his “grandkids”. Coaching is a way for him to give back to the sport that has helped him overcome challenges.
Keith is looking forward to being a part of the Team Toba squad as they hit the hardwood in Niagara as it is a team with a tone of talent and lots of personality.
