Written By Colby Stoesz

Basketball has played a major role in the development of Indigenous youth across the province, and Michael Linklater is the greatest testament to that.

Growing up on the west side of Saskatoon, Michael was introduced to the stereotypes surrounding Indigenous peoples and saw first hand the dangers of substance abuse. Instead of giving in to the temptations, Linklater turned to basketball as a safe haven and pledged to abstain from the substances that took much of his family away from him.

Now, Michael is using basketball to reach out to Canada’s Indigenous youth.

While serving as a role model on the hardwood, Linklater also travels to Indigenous communities across the province teaching youth fundamental basketball skills and advocating for sober lifestyles. Next July, he’ll serve as a coach for the Saskatchewan U16 Men’s team at the North American Indigenous Games.

“I’ve seen exponential growth in a lot of First Nations communities. The level of play is getting higher, and young basketball players are seeing their own potential to play post-secondary and beyond.”

He hopes to see continued growth among Saskatchewan’s youth in sport, and the lives they choose to lead.

This past summer, Michael took part in the CEBL’s inaugural season, joining the Saskatchewan Rattlers as they fought their way to the title.

“It was a tremendous experience. I was impressed by how the league was run.”

The Rattlers ended the season with an 11-9 record, good enough for the third seed entering the Championship Weekend at home. With Linklater providing veteran experience, the Rattlers beat the Hamilton Honey Badgers 94-83 in the first-ever CEBL Championship game.

Michael retired from professional basketball after the season, but he hasn’t ruled out a continued role with the Rattlers.

“There are no concrete plans, but I’ll always be willing to help.”

Hoping to encourage more people to come out for games, the Rattlers held an Indigenous Heritage Night in mid-July. According to Michael, the organization was successful in connecting with the community.

“I was impressed by the number of First Nations people coming to games and supporting somebody they know; coming to watch someone that looks like them.”

Despite retiring, Michael will continue to play a role in the basketball community locally, and worldwide. He was recently appointed to the FIBA 3X3 Commission, serving as a member over the organization where he was once named Most Spectacular Player.

Linklater’s fingerprints can be seen all over Saskatchewan basketball, and he’s been nationally recognized for his advocacy. Michael is a recipient of the Tom Longboat Award, along with the Indispire Award, both applauding Canadian Indigenous athletes for their involvement in their communities. He was also named to the Saskatchewan CBC Future 40 Under 40, adding to a long list of accomplishments recognizing his charitable work.

It’s hard to fathom where the community would be without Michael Linklater, and his involvement in basketball and with Indigenous youth will carry on for years to come.

“Basketball will always be a part of my life.”