Saints and Warriors is a powerful documentary chronicling the journey of the Skidegate Saints, a historic Indigenous basketball team, as they strive to defend their 2023 championship title in what may be the final season as a legendary dynasty.

Set against the sweeping backdrop of Haida Gwaii, this film explores how basketball, a sport introduced from residential schools during the darkest parts in Canadian history, became a vital force for resilience, connection, and cultural survival.

The Skidegate Saints are more than a basketball team—they are champions carrying the pride and hopes of Haida Gwaii into each game. This season, however, brings challenges that could mark the end of their dynasty. As Desi, all star and dedicated community sports leader, Gaagwiis Jason Alsop, team captain and President of the Haida Nation, and Duane, father and underrated powerhouse, step onto the court, they face more than just athletic rivals. They juggle family responsibilities, political commitments, and the physical toll of age—all while striving to protect a legacy that has inspired their community.

The Saints’ journey reflects the larger Haida Nation, a people with an unbroken claim to sovereignty now seeking formal recognition from Canada. Will the Haida become the first Indigenous nation to gain true sovereignty? Can the Saints balance their personal and political responsibilities and still compete at the level they once did? And, as they fight to keep their dynasty alive, will age and responsibility prove too much to overcome?

Saints and Warriors is more than a sports documentary—it’s a story of pride, unity, and the unbreakable bonds of community. Through the Saints’ journey, this film captures a relatable and thrilling story of determination, with each game carrying the weight of their people’s history and hope. It’s a must-watch that brings audiences into the lives of those who continue to rise and lead, inspiring others to do the same.

Director Patrick Shannon

PRODUCER Michael Grand

Executive PRODUCERs Jason Alsop , Desi Collinson . Vinay Virmani . Patrick Shannon . Connor Ritchie

Cinematography Michael Bourquin , Sean Stiller . Gaetan Lamarre . Mike Dinsmore

Editing Greg Ng . Hart Snider . Darian Lung

sound Ramsay Bourquin . Peter Robinson

Associate PRODUCERs Kelly Kenny . Hayley Morin

Score Mark Dolmont

Featuring Desi Collinson . Jason Alsop . Duane Alsop . Nika Collinson . Kiefer Collison . James Mcguire . Jesse Barnes . Tyler Jones . Kole Jones . Levi Burton . Temo Laughlin . Marvin Pearson . Garner Moody . Lonnie Young . James Young . Dullskin Brown . Dwyer Cross . Desire Wilson . Erica Ryan-Reid . Rose Russ . Jennifer brooks . Pat Gellerman . Wiija Edenshaw . Peter Lantin . Tyler York . Darcy Pearson . Denver Cross . Wade Collinson . Arnie Bellis . Will Bedard . Robert Russ . Josh Wesley .

In Association with Game Theory Films . Canada Media Fund . Telefilm Canada . Creative BC . First Take Entertainement

DOCUMENTARY (97 min)