One of the things we value most at Citaapi Mahtii Housing Society is hearing about the accomplishments, activities, and leadership happening within our tenant community. This week, we are proud to share news about a local youth basketball program led by tenants Mercedes Brown and her partner, Oswald Felsman IV.
Next weekend, the t̓at̓uus basketball teams will travel to Port Alberni to compete in the annual May long weekend basketball tournament hosted by the Tseshaht Lightning. The tournament continues to grow each year, with 72 teams participating this season from communities across the region.
The t̓at̓uus program includes both a 17U team and a 13U Jr. team. Coaches Oswald Felsman IV and Anthony McIntosh, along with team manager Mercedes Brown, have spent the past two years building and organising the program. Together, they currently support 22 young athletes from several Nations, including Ahousaht, Tla-o-qui-aht, Huu-ay-aht, Hupacasath, Toquaht, and Tseshaht, all of whom now reside in Port Alberni.
The program reflects more than just competition on the basketball court. It represents mentorship, consistency, teamwork, and a positive outlet for Indigenous youth. The players train year-round and work hard to prepare for major tournaments, especially the Junior All Native Tournament (JANT) each March and the Tseshaht Lightning tournament that follows in the spring.
Last year, the 13U t̓at̓uus team earned a strong second-place finish. Since then, many of those players have moved up to the 17U division, continuing to grow together as both athletes and teammates. The coaches and families involved have remained committed to creating opportunities for the boys to stay active, connected, and engaged through sport.
Programs like this are an important reminder that strong communities are built through relationships, leadership, and the willingness of people to invest their time into younger generations. We are honoured to recognise Mercedes and Oswald for the work they are doing both on and off the court.
We wish the t̓at̓uus teams safe travels and a successful tournament weekend in Port Alberni.
Go t̓at̓uus go!`