More Than a Game
Willis Parnell on Haida Pride, Legacy, and the ANBT
For Willis Parnell, basketball is far more than a game—it’s a living thread that connects generations, communities, and cultures across Haida Gwaii and beyond. Known as the “Michael Jordan of the North Coast” for his relentless drive and skill on the court, Parnell’s legacy stretches through decades of the All Native Basketball Tournament (ANBT), where he has played, coached, and fostered a community that transcends wins and losses.
From humble beginnings to having his number retired at Old Massett in 2017—an honor that made him the first player in his village to receive such recognition—Parnell has seen the full spectrum of what it means to represent the Haida Nation. “Being the first to have my number retired, I was overwhelmed. Family, teammates—all of them were there. It was such an honor to be recognized by my people.” He views that recognition as both a reflection of the time he’s put in on the court and a testament to the spirit of Haida basketball itself.
As new generations of Haida players rise, Parnell is especially proud of talents like Tyler York, who he describes as “an amazing baller, a great athlete who’s really bringing skill and intensity.” York has battled through injuries, including concussions, which Parnell says “really put him through some dark times.” But despite those challenges, Parnell notes that York’s resilience embodies the strength and dedication that defines Haida basketball. “We don’t give up easily,” he says, “and Tyler’s a testament to that.”
In addition to York, there are other players who carry the torch, including Desi Collinson, known for his explosive style on the court. “Desi’s an athlete; he can back it up every time,” Parnell says, chuckling. “He loves riling up the crowd and his teammates, and when he’s on fire, he’s unstoppable. He’s a player that gets everyone going.”
With ANBT in full swing, Parnell’s predictions for this year’s tournament reflect both a deep understanding of the game and a fierce pride in his Haida roots. He calls the Skidegate Saints “the team to watch,” with a roster of skilled players who “know how to win, know how to get it done,” and he’s particularly excited about the young teams emerging from Old Massett.
The ANBT has changed over the years, and the tournament has grown to attract teams from all over British Columbia and beyond. But for Parnell, the spirit remains the same: “We play for each other, for our ancestors, for our communities. It’s not just basketball; it’s who we are.”
“We’re Haida; we’re a proud people,” Parnell shares, his voice tinged with the weight of tradition. “I was blessed to play with good people, to be part of a team, to represent my community. Winning a championship at the ANBT, it’s more than a trophy—it’s the pride of the nation.”
Raised in Old Massett, Parnell grew up steeped in Haida tradition and an unshakeable love for basketball, inspired by his father and by the community of Rainmakers who took him under their wing. “I played with incredible coaches like Mel Bishop and Mark Simpson. They were people who really propelled you, who pushed you not just to win but to respect the game and each other.” Those early lessons would shape Parnell’s career, eventually leading him to the first of three national championships with the Haida Nation team in 1987. “To do that as a Haida team, with players from Old Massett, Skidegate, and even our brothers from the north in Alaska—it was just amazing. I’ve never seen pride like that in my life.”
Winning that first championship is something he remembers vividly. “That moment, when you see everyone coming together, knowing that you’re representing not just yourself but everyone back home—it's a high like nothing else.” And for Parnell, the commitment didn’t end there. Even as ANBT rules changed and village teams replaced nation teams, Parnell stayed connected to the court, driven by that same sense of unity and purpose.
Now in his role on the ANBT board, Parnell helps manage a tournament that’s more massive and competitive than ever. “We’re in our 64th year,” he notes, visibly proud of the ANBT’s growth. “To think it started with just a couple of divisions, and now we’re at five—that shows how important this is to our people.” With each year, more teams travel from across British Columbia, including Alaska, to compete, bringing with them a unique style of play that Parnell describes as “fast, skill-heavy, and intense.” As he explains, “We play hard, with a lot of athleticism. It’s a different kind of ball than you see in college or pro leagues—it’s freer, it’s fast-paced, and there’s so much pride.”
Parnell also reflects on the deep sense of community that drives the ANBT, where competing against each other is as much a celebration of identity as it is about the game. “Native ball means something different—it’s not just a sport. These players are taking time off work, leaving their families, traveling all this distance just to be here, and they’re doing it for no money. They’re doing it for pride, for their communities, for their people.”