Arnie Bellis
on Haida Basketball
A Legacy of Unity, Resilience, and Leadership
In a heartfelt conversation, Arnie Bellis illuminated the legacy of basketball on Haida Gwaii, a game that has woven itself into the cultural and social fabric of the community for decades. "Basketball was always more than just a game here," Arnie shared. "It was a place where we learned resilience, respect, and how to stand together. It’s something that pulls us all in, no matter our age or where we’re from on the island."
Reflecting on his own life, Arnie credits basketball with keeping him grounded and helping him leave behind struggles with alcohol. "The game kept me on an even keel," he admitted. "It gave me something positive to focus on. And now, seeing my son and granddaughter play, it feels like everything’s come full circle. It’s a dream come true for me." He has big hopes for his granddaughter, seeing in her a kindness and tenacity that he believes will serve her well. "She never gives up. She’ll be so tired she can barely lift her feet, but she keeps running. That’s the heart of a Haida athlete."
When asked about the importance of basketball as a vehicle for leadership on the coast, Arnie didn’t hesitate. "It teaches you everything you need to know about life—how to lead, how to listen, how to fight for something bigger than yourself. And it’s not about the trophies; I don’t even keep those. For me, it’s about the bonds, the respect, and the role models you create for the next generation." Arnie noted the game’s influence on community leaders up and down the coast, many of whom cut their teeth on the court. "Back in the day, the only way we could gather was under church or sports, and basketball became our way of connecting and building strength."
For Arnie, the legacy of basketball on Haida Gwaii is something he hopes will carry on well into the future. "The game isn’t just about winning; it’s about everything else—the learning, the humility, the sense of family. We’re all better for it." And with the same dedication that shaped his own journey, he concluded, "My hope is that long after we’re all gone, they’ll still be raising money, putting on lunch sales, and practicing in the early morning. That’s Haida basketball. That’s who we are."
Growing up in Masset, Arnie was introduced to basketball early, often sneaking out to play against older kids in makeshift courts. "We had to earn our place," he recalled. "Me and my friend Tommy used to get to the high school gym at seven in the morning to practice what we knew. We’d literally fight for the court, and not just metaphorically—those older guys weren’t going to give it up easily."
Arnie’s passion for basketball eventually led him to coaching, where he saw the game become a structure for young men in the community, many of whom lacked other sources of stability. "For some of these guys, basketball was it. It was their consistency, their family, their purpose. And for them, and for me, it was bigger than just the game," he explained. The challenges and bonds forged on the court extended well beyond it, helping young players grow into leaders in their own right. "The game taught them to care for each other, to stick together no matter the odds."
In the late 1980s, basketball took on even greater importance. During this time of heightened political awareness and social unity, Haida communities across the archipelago—including Masset and Skidegate—came together under a unified Nation Team. "We didn’t just play for ourselves. We played for the pride of Haida Gwaii," Arnie said. The sense of solidarity carried off the court, eventually influencing the Haida Nation’s governance structure. "Basketball was putting us in the stands together, side by side, cheering for our people. That unity had ripple effects in our politics, too. It made us stronger as a nation."
Arnie saw firsthand how basketball strengthened not only the players but also the community as a whole. "The ladies in Masset, Skidegate, they were always there, putting on lunch sales, selling raffle tickets, making sure the teams were funded. They told us, ‘Play hard and represent us well, and if you come up short, we’re still here for you.’ That’s the heart of it all." For him, the dedication and support from the community’s women were as essential as the players’ commitment on the court. "Without them, none of this would have been possible."