More Than a Game: The Metlakatla Spirit

The Heart of a Community, Bound by Blue and Gold

 

The biting Alaskan wind whipped off the ocean, rattling the windows of the Metlakatla High School gym. Inside, though, the air crackled with a different kind of energy – the electric hum of anticipation. It was game night, and the Metlakatla Chiefs, the boys' basketball team, were playing their hearts out. Every basket was met with a roar from the packed stands, a sea of blue and gold, the school colors. Across the court, the MissChiefs, the girls' team, watched with focused intensity, their own championship dreams burning bright.

Metlakatla, a small, tight-knit Tsimshian community nestled on Annette Island in Southeast Alaska, lived and breathed basketball. ¹ It wasn't just a game; it was a shared passion, a source of community pride. And this year, something special was happening. Both the Chiefs and the MissChiefs were on a roll, tearing through the regional competition, their skills honed by years of dedication and fueled by the unwavering support of their town. 

Old Mr. Williams, who’d seen generations of Chiefs and MissChiefs take the court, sat courtside, his weathered face beaming. He remembered the lean years, the seasons where wins were scarce. Now, he watched these young athletes, his heart swelling with pride. He wasn’t alone. Fishermen, teachers, elders, kids – everyone was caught up in the excitement. Even folks in neighboring communities, like Ketchikan and Wrangell, were following the teams’ progress, recognizing the talent and spirit radiating from Metlakatla.

The journey to the state finals wasn't easy. There were grueling practices, nail-biting games, and long ferry rides through rough seas. But the teams persevered, driven by their coaches' wisdom and the constant encouragement of their community. Fundraisers were held to help with travel costs – bake sales, car washes, even a community-wide raffle for a handmade Tsimshian blanket. Everyone chipped in. This wasn't just the teams going to state; it was Metlakatla going to state.

The day the Chiefs and MissChiefs left for Juneau, the entire town turned out to see them off. The school band played, drums pounded, and cheers echoed across the harbor. Handmade signs waved in the crisp air, bearing messages of support and love. It was a send-off fit for champions, even before a single ball was bounced in the state capital.

Juneau was a whirlwind. The cavernous stadium, the bright lights, the intense competition – it was all new and a little daunting. But the Chiefs and MissChiefs played with heart and determination, carrying the hopes and dreams of Metlakatla on their shoulders. They played for their families, for their ancestors, for the little kids back home who dreamed of one day wearing the blue and gold.

The MissChiefs fought valiantly, showcasing their speed and teamwork. They didn't win the championship, but they played with grace and sportsmanship, earning the respect of every team they faced. Their performance ignited a spark in the hearts of young girls throughout Southeast Alaska, showing them what was possible with hard work and dedication.

The Chiefs, fueled by the MissChiefs’ inspiring run, battled their way to the championship game. The tension was palpable. Every basket was a battle, every rebound a war. Back in Metlakatla, the entire town was glued to radios and live streams, holding their breath with every play.

The final buzzer sounded. The Chiefs had done it. They were state champions! The eruption of joy in Juneau was mirrored tenfold in Metlakatla. Fireworks lit up the night sky, drums beat late into the night, and the streets filled with people celebrating. Tears of joy streamed down faces, hugs were exchanged, and the name "Metlakatla" echoed with pride.

The teams returned home to a hero's welcome. The entire community gathered at the dock, waving flags and cheering. The champions rode through town on the fire truck, basking in the adoration of their community. That year, basketball brought more than just wins and losses. It brought Metlakatla together. It ignited a sense of unity, pride, and hope that resonated throughout the entire region. It was a reminder that even in the smallest of communities, big dreams can come true, and that the greatest victories are the ones shared together.