Giving Forward
At Skanii, supporting our brand means championing the future leaders of tomorrow. We are more than just a business, we are a vibrant community dedicated to challenging the status quo and amplifying underrepresented voices. Every purchase you make helps us provide sponsorship clothing packages to young leaders in sport and their communities. In doing so, we have the honour in helping to tell their story. Indigenous communities often teach about reciprocal relationships-if we take something, we give something back. Guided by the principle of reciprocity, we believe in giving forward to those who uplift and inspire us, ensuring that together, we foster a brighter future.
Grayson Eby
“Brick by brick, which basically means working one step at a time and getting better every day.”
Incredibly wise words from a young leader we are so proud to highlight. We’re so happy to introduce you to this season’s Skanii Athlete, Grayson Eby. Grayson just wrapped an incredible season as a 9th grade junior- averaging 24 PTS, 8 REB, 6 AST and 4 STL per game!
The Washington native lives and breathes to hoop, spending his time watching, studying or playing the game. We know there’s big things ahead for Grayson, not because of his output, but because of his developmental mindset. He already knows the process is more important than the results. Where others may reach his level of stat lines and become complacent, Grayson talks about consistently trying to work on himself through the weight room and being mindful of his wellness through friendships, going for walks or just being outside. We are so inspired by Grayson’s journey. When you commit so deeply to your cause, it takes so much space in your life so it’s necessary to take care of yourself. And Grayson actively has that awareness and practice that will take him to so many great places.
We asked Grayson who in his life inspires him and he shares some beautiful words about his dad. “He’s the one who introduced me to basketball and taught me almost everything I know in it. He helped me get to where I am in basketball and in life. And he helps to keep me accountable and reach my goals.”
There’s so much IQ in what Grayson had to share with us but can be best illustrated when we asked him what lessons sport has taught him. “I’ve learned that you have to have a goldfish memory. If you make a mistake or something embarrassing happens you just have to forget about it and focus on the next thing.”
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Charlize McDonald
Skanii Athletics is a community where we amplify the stories and voices of athletes and leaders, especially young athletes and leaders.
Every day, we are blown away by the dedication and deep sense of loving the process that comes from these stories. With that, we are so excited to introduce you to Charlize McDonald- our winter 2025/26 Skanii athlete. Charlize is a multi-sport athlete coming out of Lethbridge, Alberta. Charlize is in the gym, without a doubt. We asked the 5’10” centre back/full back how she likes to spend her time and her response: she loves the feeling of being in the gym and finding those limits, of how much she can push herself. But Charlize comes with a lot of wisdom, recognizing the need to maintain balance in her journey as an athlete. In spending time with friends and just having fun, Charlize knows the life of an athlete is a long game and we must maintain our own wellness alongside our development.
We asked Charlize what lessons sport has taught her and she said, “Hard work beats talent, every time. Talent might give you potential but only consistent effort turns it into real results and success.” But in our chat, this was best demonstrated when she talked about prioritizing those homemade, protein-packed meals. At Skanii Athletics, we emphasize the whole journey, not just the scoreboard. That means healthy mindset, good relationships, a pursuit of self-awareness. Charlize told us a story of a quote from the Bible that means a lot to her. “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” -Joshua 1:9. She repeats this to herself before games or when she feels discouraged. We love getting inside looks at the process of athletes and leaders, particularly what gets them through the tough moments. Charlize shared how her mother is the person who inspires her most. A nurse working with cancer patients, Charlize says her mother carries an incredible commitment to grow and improve in everything she does so Charlize can see every day what true dedication looks like.
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Scott
Whitecotton
Scott Whitecotton is the newest team member to join the Ontario Jr Reign club in Ontario, California. The Reign are the defending champs of the Pacific Division in the United States Premier Hockey League. The Reign shared their enthusiasm for signing the talented, two-way Dman in a Facebook signing announcement post where Whitecotton stated, “They have a great community that I’m excited to be a part of this season.” Scott is from the Gitxsan First Nation in Hazelton, BC, who likes to spend his time dirt biking and doing anything outdoors. When asked what or who inspires him, Scott proudly says, “My parents. They are my biggest fans and supporters and I want to be a great parent like they are when I grow up.”
As an athlete on a long journey like Scott is, it can be challenging to say the least. We asked Scott what words come to mind when he feels doubt or discouraged and what he responded with is at an athlete IQ beyond his years. Scott says, “Work hard and anything is possible. You don’t have to be the most skilled. As long as you have heart, anything is possible.” We are so proud to have you be a part of the Skanii community, Scott! Your leadership and dedication to your craft inspires so many others. Keep going!
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Avryl Jones
Avryl is from the Gitxsan nation and has been accepted into the Health Sciences program at the University of Northern BC with a major in Biomedical Studies! Incredible. Avryl has a long list of athletic accomplishments for her All-Star stats and lockdown defense. And Avryl is also a gifted storyteller- sharing a memory from this year’s Zone Championships that left us all with watery eyes and full hearts.
“We entered the tournament ranked second, and the top-ranked team, Prince Rupert, who we had never beaten before, was already fundraising for provincials during the first game. Our second game was against Prince Rupert, and it was a constant battle for the lead. But we pulled through, earning our first win against them and securing a spot in the finals. The final game was an emotional rollercoaster for me. I was extremely fatigued from playing in the All-Native Basketball Tournament just days before, and I didn’t receive a single sub throughout Zones. Pushing through the exhaustion was emotionally challenging, but my teammates and I fought hard for the win.”
We’re so proud of you, Avryl!
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Wyatt Mowatt
Wyatt is from the Gitxsan nation in Gitanmaax, BC and has been accepted into Leeds Beckett in the UK to the BA Sport Business program while he continues the pursuit of playing soccer professionally! In his short athletic career, Wyatt has a long list of accomplishments including winning the Premier Award for Indigenous Youth Excellence in sport (in 2023 & 2024) as well as his team winning gold at the North American Indigenous Games 2023 in Halifax. There is no denying Wyatt’s commitment to his craft- he and his mom commuted weekly to the next town over so Wyatt can play rep soccer. Whether it’s winter or summer, you’ll find Wyatt on the soccer field or on the basketball court playing in the All-Native Basketball tournament circuit. We’re so proud of you Wyatt!
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River Harry
Imagine if we celebrated leaders based on how many people felt safe in their presence. That is exactly what we're doing by sharing River's story.
River Harry is a of the Esk'etemc First Nation, also known as the Alkali Lake Indian Band, which represents the First Nations government of the Secwepemc (Shuswap) people. He currently lives on the territories of the Lheidli T’enneh in what is commonly known as Prince George, where he works as a peer support worker at Youth Around Prince.
When asked about his strengths in his work, River says he is often told that he creates a safe space for people to share their stories with him.
River is currently coaching an introduction-to-weightlifting program to help youth feel comfortable and confident using equipment. When asked about his wellness practices for himself, River immediately mentions exercise and meditation.
When asked what inspired him to help others, River thoughtfully describes his younger self; he aspires to be the kind of supportive adult he would have wanted as a youth.
We are so proud of you, River! We are also proud to share a of your story as a leader for those you work with. You are an inspiration, and we are grateful to have you as part of the Skanii community.