For Iljuuwas Len Arens, basketball isn’t about statistics or fame—it’s about heart and community. Growing up on Haida Gwaii, Len felt drawn to the court, where he briefly suited up for the Skidegate Saints, a team that held the spirit of the island.
Though he wasn’t the highest scorer, Len was known for his unwavering dedication. “I played hard, and for me, that was enough,” he shares, his voice carrying both pride and humility. “It wasn’t about being the best player; it was about showing up and giving everything.”
A Father’s Legacy
Len Arens and the Heartbeat of Haida Gwaii Basketball
Today, Len and his daughter are often seen courtside at Skidegate games, bound by their shared love for the sport and the unspoken lessons it taught them both. “I’m proud of my dad,” she says, looking up to him with admiration. “He might not have all the banners, but he’s got something better—heart. And that’s what I carry with me, every day, on and off the court.”
Their story reflects the true legacy of Haida Gwaii basketball. Len’s journey—and the bond he shares with his daughter—is about more than points on a scoreboard. It’s a reminder of the values that define the Saints: resilience, community, and the strength to keep showing up. As Len puts it, “Basketball is a powerful thing. It’s not just a game—it’s a way of life here. And it’s only getting stronger.”
In the tradition of Haida Gwaii, where basketball holds an almost sacred place, Len and his daughter’s story is a testament to the enduring power of sport to bring people together, to teach them about life, and to create lasting bonds. For the Arens family, the greatest triumphs are those moments of connection, fought not just on the court but in life, side by side.
Len’s journey, however, was marked by challenges that tested his resilience both on and off the court. Financial difficulties and family pressures meant that his connection to basketball was often a source of strength and focus. “There were times I wondered if I could keep showing up,” he admits, “but the Saints felt like family, like everyone was playing for something bigger.”
His daughter watched him through these hard times, witnessing firsthand how her father’s quiet resilience kept him grounded. “She saw what basketball did for me,” Len says. “It brought us closer.” As she grew, she too found solace on the court, turning to the sport her father loved as a place to build strength and identity.
When she struggled in high school, facing moments of uncertainty and a search for her own place, Len’s advice was simple yet powerful. “I told her it wasn’t about winning,” he remembers. “It was about being there and giving it your best shot every time, no matter what.” The values he learned from his time with the Saints—perseverance, teamwork, and dedication—became lessons he passed down, hoping she would find her own path, just as he had.