Marvin Pearson
A Legacy in Skidegate’s Basketball Evolution
Marvin Pearson is a name familiar in Haida Gwaii basketball circles and beyond. His journey, beginning on the sidelines and leading to a Hall of Fame induction, reflects not only the legacy of Skidegate Saints but also his personal commitment to community and camaraderie.
The All Native Basketball Tournament in Prince Rupert stands out in Marvin’s memory as the stage where village rivalries and pride reached new heights. In one memorable match, Pearson and his team surprised a towering group from St. Mary’s, a team whose players stood well over six feet. “They laughed at us, thinking we couldn’t keep up… and we made them pay for it.” He laughs, recalling how their team’s cohesion ultimately turned the tide. As Marvin explains, “It’s the village mentality… in Vancouver, you may have good players, but you don’t have that community behind you.”
Marvin’s achievements include his 2003 induction into the All Native Basketball Hall of Fame, a recognition he shares with humility, giving credit to his teammates. For Pearson, basketball is a “diagram of life,” a sport where lessons in teamwork and dedication extend beyond the court. Even now, when he watches the current Skidegate Saints, he recognizes those values in players like Desi and the Alsop brothers, who share his competitive drive yet remain focused on what he believes is the core of Haida basketball: unity.
Today, Marvin sees the banners of his era hanging proudly in the gym, a reminder of how far Haida Gwaii basketball has come. Looking at these tributes, he envisions the next generation of players, young athletes who embody the spirit of his era and strive to bring glory to Skidegate in their own way.
Pearson’s start in basketball came in the late 1960s, playing as a “skinny, self-conscious kid” who gradually found his confidence on the court, a transformation he fondly attributes to those early experiences in the game. “I was scared to take off my shirt… but basketball developed the confidence to be out there in front of your peers, your parents,” he says, noting how integral the game was to his self-discovery.
In those days, basketball in Skidegate wasn’t about league wins but about pride and learning. As Marvin recalls, “We wanted to beat them, but if we fell a little short, it was like losing to your brothers,” referring to tough competitions with teams from Alaskan villages. It was this early exposure to rivalries that ignited his passion and honed his skills. While playing for Skidegate and later with other regional teams like the Masset Klansmen, he became known for his skill and his game sense, marked by a relentless focus on “staying one step ahead.”
Central to Pearson’s journey is the mentorship he received from figures like Kenny Bedard, whom he credits as a pivotal influence. “Kenny believed in you,” he reflects. “Without Ken, I don’t know where I would be.” Bedard’s mentorship extended beyond the court, contributing significantly to the sense of community pride that Skidegate has always valued.