The Pachena Bay Whalers basketball team is making waves on and off the court. Thanks to a bold new design by Cierra Nookemus, the team now sports custom uniforms purchased with the support of the ḥaw̓iiḥ Council, Suzuki Marine, and Breakers Marine. The uniforms represent a significant boost for the community program, which has steadily built a presence in Anacla.
The Whalers play weekly at the House of Huu-ay-aht every Tuesday evening from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., drawing together Huu-ay-aht citizens and friends from across Vancouver Island. The team includes local players such as Seth Nookemus, Nolan Nookemus, Issiah Dennis, Ed Johnson Jr., Simon Gurney, and Huu-ay-aht First Nation government staff Daniel Zayonc and Carter Burtlake. Lastly, friends from Victoria and Vancouver also joined to round out the squad.
The Whalers will showcase their new look and strong team spirit in an upcoming match at the Tseshaht Lightning Annual May Long Basketball Tournament. They’ll hit the court at Alberni District Secondary School on Friday, May 16, at 6:00 p.m. to face off against Ucluelet.
Citizens are encouraged to come out and cheer on the Huu-ay-aht team as they represent Nation and celebrate the power of sport to bring people together.
