As we recognize the National Week for Truth and Reconciliation, we're pleased to share an inspiring story about two former Bisons teammates, Terry Garrow and Manoj Nowrang, and their efforts to support a young Indigenous basketball player.
Keenan Nottaway, a 7'2", 285-pound athlete from Pikogan, Quebec, travelled 19 hours with his family to Winnipeg to participate in the Battle for Turtle Island basketball tournament. It was there that he met Terry Garrow, a Manitoba Basketball Hall of Fame inductee and member of the Akwesasne Mohawk Nation.
Recognizing Keenan's potential, Terry contacted his close friend and former Bisons teammate, Manoj Nowrang, inviting him to watch Keenan play. That introduction opened the door to an exciting new chapter in Keenan's life.
Today, Keenan lives with Manoj in Winnipeg, where he is developing his basketball skills and conditioning through THRiVE Basketball Academy while playing for the EDGE Elite basketball team. Equally important, he is attending the Seven Oaks Adult Learning Centre to complete his core Grade 12 courses, with aspirations of playing university basketball and eventually pursuing a professional career.
During this National Week for Truth and Reconciliation, Keenan's journey reminds us of the importance of creating opportunities for Indigenous youth through education, sport and meaningful personal connections.
Congratulations to Terry and Manoj for demonstrating how the bonds formed through Bison basketball can extend well beyond the court and make a lasting difference in a young person's life!