Saints and Warriors

SAINTS AND WARRIORS tells the epic and inspiring story of a legendary village basketball team in the Indigenous Nation of Haida Gwaii in northwest Canada and their deep historical and cultural roots with the sport. Throughout the course of one season of iconic ”rez ball,” the Skidegate Saints compete for two titles—defending their All Native Basketball Championship while battling for the title to their land and waters with the government that stole it from them via the Indian Act of 1876. Indigenous first-time director Patrick Shannon showcases the stunning role that “a silly game of putting the ball in the hoop” plays in Haida Gwaii as a tool for political action, community leadership, and the survival of culture.