Saints and Warriors
On the hardwood and on their homeland, the Skidegate Saints are fighting for more than a championship — they’re fighting for their future.
Set against the backdrop of the 2024 All Native Basketball Tournament and the battle for Indigenous sovereignty, Saints and Warriors captures a story of resilience, brotherhood, and the unbreakable spirit of Haida Gwaii.
Documentary, 98 mins, Canada
Teaser Trailer
Synopsis
On the remote islands of Haida Gwaii, the Skidegate Saints are more than a basketball team — they are a symbol of pride, resilience, and the unbreakable spirit of their community.
For over 60 years, the All Native Basketball Tournament in Prince Rupert, British Columbia, has been a gathering place for First Nations communities — a modern-day ceremony where basketball becomes a celebration of culture, identity, and survival.
What started as competition has become a powerful act of resurgence, emerging from generations who fought to reclaim their traditions after the Potlatch ban and the era of residential schools.
Saints and Warriors follows the Saints as they defend their championship at the 2024 Tournament, even as a new wave of young challengers rises from the Lower Mainland. But their greatest battle lies beyond the game: the ongoing fight for sovereignty over their lands and waters, and the future of Haida Gwaii itself.
As the Saints face the twilight of their dynasty, they must pass on their spirit to the next generation — proving that true victory is not measured only in points, but in the strength to protect who you are.
PRODUCING AND KEY CREATIVE TEAM
DIRECTOR – PATRICK SHANNON
WRITERS – PATRICK SHANNON, DESMOND COLLINSON, GAAGWIIS JASON ALSOP
PRODUCER – MICHAEL TANKO GRAND
EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS - DESMOND COLLINSON, GAAGWIIS JASON ALSOP, VINAY VIRMANI, PATRICK SHANNON, CONNOR RITCHIE
CO-EXECUTIVE PRODUCER – HAYLEY MORIN
ASSOCIATE PRODUCERS – KELLY KENNY, DUANE ALSOP
DOP – MICHAEL BOURQUIN, SEAN STILLER
EDITORS - GREG NG, HART SNIDER
ADDITIONAL EDITING - DARIAN LUNG
COMPOSER - MARK DOLMONT
AN INNONATIVE AND GRAND SCHEME PRODUCTION
A CO-VENTURE WITH FIRST TAKE ENTERTAINMENT & UNINTERRUPTED CANADA
Director
Patrick Shannon, also known as Nang K‘uulas is an Indigenous-Haida film director and award-winning social entrepreneur from Haida Gwaii, Canada.
Patrick’s work centres around storytelling and the elevation of marginalized voices through education, youth mentorship, media, and technology.
With a decade of experience working in the Vancouver film industry, 12 years as an independent filmmaker, and skills as an award-winning entrepreneur, Patrick has the experience and expertise to bring impactful projects to life.
Patrick leads InnoNative, an Indigenous media production company that works across Canada and internationally on music videos, documentaries, and scripted narratives.
Saints And Warriors is Patrick’s first Feature Film and tells the story about his legendary village basketball team, the Skidegate Saints and his home's deep historical and cultural roots with basketball.
Funded By
BELL MEDIA’S CRAVE
CANADA MEDIA FUND
TELEFILM CANADA
CREATIVE BC
CROSSCURRENTS CANADA DOC FUND
ROGERS GROUP OF FUNDS