YORKTON - Noted Saskatchewan basketball athlete Michael Linklater is about to be recognized by the Saskatchewan Rattlers.
The Rattlers recently announced they would celebrate the career achievements and community initiatives of Linklater on July 5 when the team hosts the Ottawa BlackJacks at SaskTel Centre in Saskatoon.
The recognition was taken a step farther in a collaboration with the Province of Saskatchewan to declare July 5 as ‘Michael Linklater Day’ in Saskatchewan.
Linklater, a former Rattler, is a leader for indigenous youth, basketball, and community in Saskatchewan; his work has expanded world-wide, and he continues to develop and foster community through Sohkisiwin Solutions. As the co-founder of Sohkisiwin Solutions, they bridge the gap between non-Indigenous and Indigenous groups.
Linklater said the day sort of grew out of a conversation where he learned the team was interested “in recognizing my contribution in basketball and the community.
“Thrilled to share in honouring Michael Linklater and all of his accomplishments,” said Rattlers President, Lee Genier in a team article. “He is truly a great inspiration to us all. We very much look forward to celebrating Michael Linklater Day.”
The day is something Linklater said is obviously gratifying.
“This is unbelievable! I am truly humbled and extremely grateful by this incredible recognition,” he said in a team article.
Asked if the day was sort of a closing of a circle for him in terms of basketball, Linklater told Yorkton This Week that he felt that occurred upon his CEBL retirement.
“To me when I retired from the Rattlers that was closing the circle,” he offered.
Certainly Linklater, a Nehiyaw (Cree) father, descending from the Thunderchild First Nation, located in Treaty 6 Territory, has had a notable career in the sport.
He won the first ever National Championship for both the University of Saskatchewan and Saskatchewan Rattlers in the inaugural season of the CEBL. He played for the Canadian National team at the FIBA 3X3 World Cup. Michael is the Recipient of numerous awards which include; Inductee into the Saskatoon Sports Hall of Fame and the North American Indigenous Athletics Hall of Fame, the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Medal, Indspire Laureate, the National Tom Longboat Award, Canadian Sport Award for Inclusion, and the Saskatchewan CBC Future 40 under 40.
They are successes Linklater was quick to share, noting success only comes with the support of others. In his case that started with his grandparents, Maria and late Walter Linklater.
“They inspired me to always keep my Community in mind,” he said.
Out of that came an understanding that as an athlete he was going to be an inspiration to others, and he said he accepted that responsibility as best he could.
As an Indigenous athlete whose grandparents are residential school survivors community was critical for Linklater, who said he sees progress but there is much more to be done.
“It’s been a slow process, but progress has been made, but there’s still a long way to go,” he said.
While retired from pro ball, Linklater said the sport remains important to him.
“Basketball will always be part of my life,” he told YTW.
Outside of basketball, he is the Founder of the International Campaign Boys with Braids. Michael was invited by Dr. Jill Biden to attend the first ever Reception at the White House that celebrated Native American Heritage month. He is the Co-chair of the Early Learning Equal Start Campaign, which aims to raise $20M for early childhood education. He also serves as a member of the Canada Basketball Hall of Fame selection committee, Toronto Raptors Indigenous advisory circle, also served on the FIBA 3X3 Commission. Linklater is a professional speaker with over 24 years of experience.
