All American Indian Shootout Gives Back to Schools

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Story and Photos by Anne Morsette

The All American Indian Shootout, which featured White Shield and Mandaree Warriors, occurred back in December. The three-day long tournament did round robin style games between Montana Native American high schools and two North Dakota Native high schools. 2020 was the ninth year the shootout has taken place. White Shield and Mandaree high school have participated in it for the last couple years. 

Shaun Backbone, director of the All American Indian Shootout, visited MHA Nation on Tuesday February 8th to give back to Mandaree and White Shield schools. Shaun explained that the Shootout program gives back to all its participants. Any revenue generated from gate ticket sales gets divided evenly and goes back to the participating schools. Each school with two participating teams (boys and girls) received $4,300; and Mandaree received $2,150 for their one participating team. The schools may use the money however they wish to. The All-American Indian Shootout believes in supporting students in their athletic abilities and gives back to contribute to the school’s efforts in teaching student-athletes. 

The All American Indian Shootout gives thanks to MHA Nation’s Tribal Business Council for supporting their efforts in highlighting Indian ball skills throughout the last couple years. The non-profit organization is one of the only programs that circulates the money back into the schools. “When [MHA] donated, it helped us out a lot. So, bringing the money back to the schools toda, MHA essentially invested back into their youth”, commented Backbone in an on air radio interview. Mandaree and White Shield have been participating in the shootout since at least 2019. Shaun Backbone would like to invite Parshall, New Town, and Four Winds-Minnewauken to participate in the 2022 All American Indian Shootout. The 2022 All American Indian Shootout will be held December 8th-10th in Billings, Montana.