Community members, leaders, partners and neighbours helped Splatsin score significant funds for an important project.
The Play for Truth Community Basketball Fundraiser on Nov. 20 raised $16,227 for the Splatsin Monument Project, an initiative that honours Splatsin ancestors and strengthens cultural connection for future generations.
The evening featured a friendly match between Team Truth and Team Reconciliation, a skills showcase, a three-point contest, halftime activities, prize draws, and community acknowledgements.
Participants included representatives from Splatsin, the City of Enderby, the Regional District of North Okanagan (RDNO), and local RCMP detachments.
The event was organized by Splatsin Tkwamipla7 Crystal Morris, who reflected on the importance of the gathering.
"This event showed what's possible when our community and partners come together with a shared heart and purpose. It wasn't just about fundraising -- it was about healing, honouring our ancestors, and creating space for truth, connection, and reconciliation. I'm deeply grateful to everyone who supported this night," said Morris.
Funds were generated through a mix of community donations, sponsorships, raffles, game activities, and institutional support.
From a $5 RCMP donation to $5,000 from the RDNO, the event saw thousands raised including $3,000 from the City of Enderby, $1,000 from Splatsin Development Corporation (SDC), $1,000 from Mandell Pinder, $500 from Joanne Willand and Star Buds, $300 from McElhanney Engineering, $250 from Conatus Law, $280 in door prize contributions and additional $2,000 in community donations. A basket raffle also raised $255, the 50/50 raised $99 and the winner donated back $98, plus the Splatsin Tsm7aksaltn staff-run concession raised over $900 in revenue.
These contributions reflect strong regional and community-wide support for the Splatsin Monument Project and the principles of truth, reconciliation, and cultural remembrance.
Splatsin extends sincere appreciation to the many individuals and organizations whose time, leadership, and service contributed to the success of the Play for Truth fundraiser.
Funds will continue to be raised through a fundraising auction scheduled for Dec. 17.
Support was provided by members of the RCMP and Indigenous Policing Services, including Dave Hill (IPS West Kelowna), Supt. Blake MacLeod, Neal Horne (IPS Armstrong), and Sgt. Neil Kennedy (Vernon), alongside Seanan Sharpe and Ivan Lee.
The City of Enderby is acknowledged with appreciation to Mayor Huck Galbraith and Councillors Tundra Baird and Shawn Shishido, along with RDNO Electoral Area F Director Allyssa Hopkins for their participation and support.
Special recognition is extended to Morris, Splatsin staff Kyle Crump and Sean Johannsen, and Splatsin Development Corporation director Doug Thomas for their leadership and event coordination.
Community participation included Jay Andrew Thomas, Splatsin youth Stanley Felix and Shaden Cormier, Legacy North Academy students Ben Eby, Grayson Eby, and Liam Eby, and UBCO student Devin Bixby (Splatsin).
Event operations were supported by announcers from the Splatsin Culture Department and City of Enderby Council, including Brian Schreiner, along with scorekeepers Roxanne Daveyduke, Tkwamipla7 Miranda Kimbasket, Britney Bixby, and Victoria Bixby. Referees Kevin Bixby and Marcus Christian ensured fair play.
The community vendors -- Priscilla Purdaby, Neva Maxime, Lillian Maxime, Diane Antoine, and Rita Edwards -- contributed to the event's vibrancy and success.
The Splatsin Tsm7aksaltn staff -- Danielle Preece, Harlen Jones, Courtney Brown, Samantha Hyam, Deanna Cook, Sherry Thomas, and Debbie Havel -- operated the concession stand, raising over $900 through food service while also donating their time and supplies.
Splatsin Elders Adele Thomas, Linda Thomas, Donna Felix, and Joyce Gooch are acknowledged for their support of the upcoming fundraising auction scheduled for Dec. 17, 2025.
The Finance & Administration volunteer team -- Jenephere Rico, Leona Johnson, and Shakir Ellihi -- provided vital logistical and financial coordination.
Additional recognition is extended to Nadine Joe, who donated her time to produce the Team Truth & Reconciliation jerseys, supported through the generosity of Sharing Mela'hma.
Splatsin also expresses appreciation to all additional volunteers, players, and supporters whose efforts contributed to the success of the evening.
The Play for Truth fundraiser stands as a powerful example of community partnership, shared responsibility, and collective commitment to truth, reconciliation, and future generations.