Province of Saskatchewan, Rattlers Declare July 5 as "Michael Linklater Day"

June 19, 2025

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 Group.


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 3x3 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 starting at $20 for single game tickets, with additional group pricing discounts available through bulk purchases.


Premium seat options are available including VIP tables, Luxury Suites, and the Rattlers Courtside Lounge. All tickets options can also be purchased through the Rattlers Front Office in Downtown Saskatoon (306) 244-2181, Saskatchewan Rattlers website, or via Ticketmaster. For more seating options, and partnership opportunities; fans can contact a member of the Rattlers Front Office.


The 2025 schedule has been released, which features a new 24-game slate. The 2025 CEBL Playoffs are scheduled to begin Thursday, August 14 with the Conference Play-In games, followed by the Conference Semifinals on Saturday, August 16. The winners will advance to CW25 to join the Winnipeg Sea Bears (host team) and the top-ranked team from the Eastern Conference who are automatically seeded into the Conference Finals. The full playoff schedule with tipoff times will be announced at a later date.


General public and returning season ticket members can claim their seats for the entire Rattlers 2025 season by using Account Manager. All tickets can also be purchased through the Rattlers Front Office (306) 244-2181, Saskatchewan Rattlers website, or via Ticketmaster. Flex Ticket Bundles can be purchased online or at the Rattlers Front Office, which features a minimum of four-tickets in any section with a bonus gift card to Moxies. Single game tickets are available now via Ticketmaster. For more seating options, suites, and group rates; fans can contact an account executive.



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About the Saskatchewan Rattlers

The Saskatchewan Rattlers are Saskatchewan’s professional basketball team, one of the six

original teams in the CEBL – the Rattlers won the 2019 inaugural season championship. Playing out of SaskTel Centre in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan – the Rattlers offer an entertainment-focused environment surrounded by some of the world’s top professional athletes. The Rattlers are a community-first organization and take pride in their ability to bring communities together while making sport more accessible to the province.

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