The Province of Saskatchewan and the Saskatchewan Rattlers have declared July 5 to be “Michael Linklater Day”.
Linklater will be honoured for his career achievements and community initiatives prior to that evening’s game against the Ottawa Blackjacks at SaskTel Centre. Linklater was a member of the Rattlers’ 2019 team that won the inaugural C-E-B-L championship, then retired to become a leader for indigenous youth, basketball and community in Saskatchewan. His work has expanded world-wide, and he continues to develop and foster community through Sohkisiwin Solutions. As the co-founder of Sohkisiwin Solutions, they bridge the gap between non-Indigenous and Indigenous groups. Following is the news release from the Rattlers…..
June 19, 2025
PROVINCE OF SASKATCHEWAN, RATTLERS DECLARE JULY 5 AS “MICHAEL LINKLATER DAY”
Saskatoon, Sask. – The Saskatchewan Rattlers of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) are
pleased to announce that they will be celebrating the career achievements and community initiatives of
Michael Linklater on July 5 when the team hosts the Ottawa BlackJacks at SaskTel Centre in Saskatoon,
Saskatchewan, proudly presented by Sheron Lau of Research Capital Corporation.
In collaboration with the Province of Saskatchewan, the Saskatchewan Rattlers declare July 5 as “Michael
Linklater Day” in Saskatchewan. Linklater is a leader for indigenous youth, basketball, and community in
Saskatchewan; his work has expanded world-wide, and he continues to develop and foster community
through Sohkisiwin Solutions. As the co-founder of Sohkisiwin Solutions, they bridge the gap between
non-Indigenous and Indigenous groups.
“This is unbelievable! I am truly humbled and extremely grateful by this incredible recognition,” said
Michael Linklater. “I give thanks to my grandparents, Maria and late Walter Linklater for inspiring me to
always help others through their lifetime of supporting those in need. I am grateful to my children for
continuously making me a better person. I want to share this recognition with the entire community who
work tirelessly to make this world a better place. Thank you!”
Linklater is a Nehiyaw (Cree) father, descending from the Thunderchild First Nation, located in Treaty 6
Territory. He won the first ever National Championship for both the University of Saskatchewan and
Saskatchewan Rattlers in the inaugural season of the CEBL. He played for the Canadian National team at
the FIBA 3X3 World Cup. Michael is the Recipient of numerous awards which include; Inductee into the
Saskatoon Sports Hall of Fame and the North American Indigenous Athletics Hall of Fame, the Queen’s
Platinum Jubilee Medal, Indspire Laureate, the National Tom Longboat Award, Canadian Sport Award for
Inclusion, and the Saskatchewan CBC Future 40 under 40.
Outside of basketball, he is the Founder of the International Campaign Boys with Braids. Michael was
invited by Dr. Jill Biden to attend the first ever Reception at the White House that celebrated Native
American Heritage month. He is the Co-chair of the Early Learning Equal Start Campaign, which aims to
raise $20M for early childhood education. He also serves as a member of the Canada Basketball Hall of
Fame selection committee, Toronto Raptors Indigenous advisory circle, also served on the FIBA 3X3
Commission. Linklater is a professional speaker with over 24 years of experience.
Most recently, Linklater appeared as an analyst during the 2024 Paris Olympics for 3×3 Basketball where
he appeared alongside numerous indigenous voices during the Summer Olympics. As contestants of
Amazing Race Canada, Linklater and his son, Amari, competed across Canada representing Thunderchild
First Nation.
“Thrilled to share in honouring Michael Linklater and all of his accomplishments,” said Rattlers President,
Lee Genier. “He is truly a great inspiration to us all. We very much look forward to celebrating Michael
Linklater Day.”
The Rattlers look to celebrate Michael Linklater’s career and the work that he continues to do for the
community for “Michael Linklater Night” on Saturday July 5 at SaskTel Centre which will feature
appearances from his colleagues, peers, and community members.
The event will happen about a week after the Rattlers “First Nations Night” presented by Dakota Dunes
Community Development Corporation on Thursday June 26 at SaskTel Centre in Saskatoon,
Saskatchewan. The Rattlers have hosted an indigenous celebration night every season since their
inaugural season in 2019.
Tickets for “First Nations Night” on June 26 and “Michael Linklater Night” on July 5 are available now
through Ticketmaster.
