A Journey Shaped by Opportunity

Memphis Gambler-Yellowknee

Bigstone Cree Nation

First year, Open Studies, Leduc Composite

Memphis Gambler-Yellowknee spent his early years on the Bigstone Cree Nation, which is “kind of far, about 40 minutes from Slave Lake,” but the decision was then made to move to Grande Prairie. 

“My mom, she wanted me off the reserve,” said Gambler-Yellowknee, who still has extended family who have never left the reserve. He added that while the move created more opportunities, it also meant spending less time around his culture, something he is now working to reconnect with. 

Gambler-Yellowknee, who is a six-foot-six centre, became interested in basketball in Grade 6, which prompted his family to move from Grande Prairie to Leduc.

“I was maybe five-foot-eight, which was tall for Grade 6,” said Gambler-Yellowknee, who played basketball in Grade 6 and 7 at Leduc before returning to Grande Prairie for Grade 8 where his team won a league title. He then returned to Leduc where he finished high school.

“I was also interested in volleyball because both of my parents played volleyball. From Grade 7 to Grade 9 I played both volleyball and basketball.”

After graduating high school, Gambler-Yellowknee played a year of prep basketball in Calgary with United Prep Canada but didn’t receive any interest from post-secondary schools.

“My buddy who I played club basketball with, Hayden Many Grey Horses, played with the Kodiaks last year and he got me in contact with (coach) Ryan Heggie. He wanted me, but I decided to play another year of prep at Western Canada Prep Academy in Edmonton.”

That lasted for half a season when Gambler-Yellowknee decided to take up welding.

“I was trying to decide whether or not I wanted to play college or pursue my welding,” he said.

The Kodiaks continued to show interest in Gambler-Yellowknee, as well as Augustana and Olds, but he decided on Lethbridge.

“It’s really nice here, and I like that it doesn’t get so cold. I’m enjoying my first year with the Kodiaks although it’s hard being away from family because I have two little brothers. But, my mom lives in Calgary now so I can go visit her.”

“I’ve really enjoyed this season,” he added. “Ryan is a really good coach, he’s not someone who overworks you. He works us hard, but some coaches just overdo it.”

Basketball has provided Gambler-Yellowknee with opportunities he once didn’t think were possible, including the chance to travel across Canada to compete.

He credits his parents as his biggest supporters throughout his journey.

“My biggest fans are my mom and dad for sure. They supported me the most to keep on going. My mom always reminds me that I have done so much more than her at this age.”

He said he also tries to carry himself with humility on the court, something instilled in him by his family.

“I try to be as humble as possible when I am in a game. My granny raised me to work hard and never complain about it.”

Gambler-Yellowknee, who is taking Open Studies, said he’s fitting in well and it helps with other First Nations players on the team. 

“What inspires me to keep going is the Indigenous youth that look up to me. “I want to show them that their passions can take them far, if they dare to put in the work.”

He said he’s not sure what his future holds, although he hopes to stay around sports, possibly coaching or being a personal trainer.

“I also want to see how far I can go with basketball. I’d like to go pro if I can. After that I could go back into welding and maybe coaching.”