Raised in Saskatoon’s inner city, Michael learned early about perseverance, personal responsibility, and the importance of community. His experiences shaped a lifelong commitment to helping others, particularly Indigenous children and youth, recognize their strengths and take pride in who they are.
Michael has built a diverse career spanning community leadership, business development, Indigenous advising, professional sport, youth mentorship, public speaking, and cultural education. He brings together practical leadership experience and traditional knowledge to help communities and organizations create meaningful, lasting change.
Most importantly, Michael is a proud father. He is committed to passing cultural knowledge and traditions to his children, modelling a healthy lifestyle, and encouraging young people to live free from drugs and alcohol.
Education and Lifelong Learning
Michael’s post-secondary studies and athletic journey took him to:
United Tribes Technical College in Bismarck, North Dakota
University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon
Southern Alberta Institute of Technology in Calgary
Lakeland College in Lloydminster
These experiences contributed to Michael’s understanding of teamwork, adaptability, leadership, and the value of creating supportive environments in which people can succeed.
Honours and Recognition
Michael’s honours include:
North American Indigenous Athletics Hall of Fame inductee
Saskatoon Sports Hall of Fame inductee
Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal
National INDspire Award laureate
National Tom Longboat Award
Canadian Sport Award for Inclusion
Kinsmen Saskatchewan Athlete of the Year
Circle of Honour Sports Award
CBC Saskatchewan Future 40 recipient and People’s Choice winner
Saskatoon Chief of Police Award for Community Service
FIBA 3x3 World Tour Most Spectacular Player
FIBA 3x3 Lausanne World Tour Most Valuable Player
Michael received the Chief of Police Award for Community Service after cycling across Western Canada to raise funds and awareness for Indigenous people living with diabetes.
Basketball Career
Michael is one of Saskatchewan’s most decorated basketball players. His achievements include:
Captaining the University of Saskatchewan Huskies to their first Canada West Conference Championship and first national championship in 2010
Being named a national tournament all-star
Winning the Canadian Elite Basketball League championship with the Saskatchewan Rattlers during the league’s inaugural 2019 season
Representing Canada as captain of its first men’s 3x3 national team
Helping Canada achieve a sixth-place finish at the 2018 FIBA 3x3 World Cup
Competing in 17 FIBA 3x3 World Tour events across seven seasons
Winning the 2014 FIBA 3x3 Americas Qualifier
Finishing second at the 2014 FIBA 3x3 World Tour Final
Winning the 2016 Lausanne World Tour event and being named its Most Valuable Player
Being voted the FIBA 3x3 World Tour’s Most Spectacular Player for the 2017 season
Coaching Team Saskatchewan at the 2014 North American Indigenous Games
Playing professionally in the International Basketball League, Canadian Elite Basketball League, and FIBA 3x3 World Tour
To book or inquire about speaking engagements from Michael, please visit the contact page and send us a message.
