After four grueling days at the Spokane Arena last weekend, the Lummi Nation boys returned to a celebratory parade and community-wide “love and support” after winning the 1B state basketball title.
“This is such a beautiful day at Lummi Nation,” Lummi chairman Anthony Hillaire said. “This is much bigger than Lummi. This is a win for Indian country. I saw on a shirt that said ‘Stand up for Sovereignty.’ This is sovereignty right here.”
The Lummi Blackhawks boys team won the 1B state tournament on March 8 at the Spokane Arena after defeating top-seed Almira/Coulee-Hartline 53-50. It was the Blackhawks’ second basketball title in school history — the first came 10 years ago — and third appearance at the state tournament.
“Right now, it’s just an unbelievable feeling,” coach Jerome Toby said after winning. “The love and support from our Lummi Nation — it was wild tonight. We did all the little things right and got a championship for Lummi Nation.”
The Blackhawks returned to Lummi and were honored with a parade on Thursday, March 13, after cutting the nets and taking countless photos on the court last weekend.
“I had a trip to Washington, D.C., scheduled and took a flight out so I can be here today because it is an important day for all of us,” Hillaire said Thursday. “It brings so much joy and good feelings to the people. Everyone is proud and happy to be Lummi because of your hard work and dedication in basketball.”
The parade began at Northwest Indian College, traveled along Kwina Road and finished at the Lummi Indian Business Council building, where the teams, classmates and community members shared memories on the path to the golden ball in Spokane.
Families, even preschoolers, lined up along the sidewalk to cheer the Lummi teams driving down Kwina Road. The community showed their support with signs, loud cheers and by honking their horns.
The Lummi boys team traveled on a float, showcasing their trophy, while the girls followed in a pair of trucks waving to their biggest fans.
Although the Lummi Nation girls were eliminated by Pateros in the Round of 12 at Spokane Arena, they were also honored at the parade. The girls team showed promises of a bright future despite losing early in the state tournament.
“I want to let the girls know that you are not ignored and recognized for what you did over there,” Lummi’s education board member Connie Martin said. “I want a championship coming home for the ladies next year.”
Martin continued that she’s honored “to see you young men and ladies.”
“You represented our nations,” Martin said. “You stood behind Neah Bay and the other tribes and they recognized you when you walked.”
The Blackhawks earned the celebratory parade after marching through tough competitors for the golden ball trophy. Before heading to Spokane, the Lummi Nation boys defeated Moses Lake/Covenant Christian 48-43.
Once the Blackhawks entered Spokane Arena as the No. 2 seed, they defeated Ocosta 67-27 in the quarterfinals and Neah Bay 49-45 in the semifinals.
“I want to thank you for all your support, love and energy you put into us being successful,” Toby said. “We just get to show up and coach your young men.”
The Lummi boys will lose five seniors while the girls will lose three seniors. Although they will not return for next season, the seniors said they are excited for the future of Lummi Nation’s basketball programs.
“All of these children are looking up to everyone one of you and watching the way you carry yourself as a Lummi person,” Hellaire said. “It brings us together and reminds us of all those who came before us.”
Nick Zeller-Singh is CDN's sports reporter; reach him at nickzellersingh@cascadiadaily.com; 360-922-3090 ext. 104.
