Michael Linklater of the Thunderchild First Nation is being celebrated for breaking barriers in sport.
Linklater received the Inclusion Award at the 42nd Canadian Sport Awards on Saturday.
“Winning was just shocking,” Linklater said. “I was surprised. I was at a loss for words. I think primarily I was being recognized for Boys with Braids. It’s an international campaign that I created to be a platform for Indigenous youth who choose to grow their hair.”
He has had long hair for years and said he hopes to inspire and encourage young Indigenous men who also choose to let their locks flow.
Linklater helped the Saskatchewan Rattlers win a championship in the inaugural season of the Canadian Elite Basketball League and announced his retirement shortly after.
The Canadian Olympic Committee nominated him for the Inclusion Award.
“I think it’s very important that Indigenous people are being recognized for their work and their advocacy,” Linklater added. “These awards help shine a light on some of the issues that are facing Indigenous people. These awards help to encourage the people that are still doing amazing work. It encourages them to continue doing what they’re doing.”
Linklater has run basketball camps and clinics for several years and was also selected as a face of the Nike N7 collection this past summer.
(PHOTO: Michael Linklater. Photo courtesy of Saskatchewan Rattlers.)