Sacred Hoops for Life (SH4L), founded by Lance Hornsby (Blackfeet Nation) and Shayna Tulley (Navajo), is in the process of getting established as a nonprofit, with a powerful mission to empower underprivileged youth by providing them with healthy outlets for stress relief, personal growth, and community engagement. This initiative, deeply rooted in Spokane, aims to make a lasting impact on local youth through sports, mentorship, and service. What started as a college idea has now grown into a community-driven effort dedicated to fostering resilience and self-sufficiency in young people.
A Legacy of Community Impact
Bertha Covington was a beloved Aunt and mentor to us, and a pillar in the Spokane Native community, dedicating her life to empowering youth and preserving cultural traditions. In 1989, she co-founded the Early Birds program with her daughters, Lisa Russell and Leslie Arnoux, creating a space where Native youth could learn about drug prevention while engaging in cultural teachings. What started as a program grew into a memorial to lost loved ones and a strong commitment to prevention.
The Early Birds program emphasized the Medicine Wheel's holistic approach, helping young people balance their mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being. Through cultural teachings, mentorship, and life skills education, Bertha and her family instilled resilience, self-respect, and the importance of making positive life choices.
Bertha passed away in 2015, but her passion for advocating for Native American children and families continues to inspire all who knew her. Throughout her life, she worked tirelessly to promote healthy lifestyles and prevention education, ensuring that Native youth had the tools to thrive. In her later years, Bertha devoted herself to preserving the Salish language, becoming one of the few fluent speakers of the dialect. Her unwavering commitment to cultural survival and education has left a lasting legacy that continues to shape Native youth programs today.
Lance and Shayna's mission with Sacred Hoops for Life aligns closely with Bertha’s lifelong work, continuing her passion for youth mentorship, cultural preservation, and prevention education. Their program builds upon the same principles of community, empowerment, and opportunity, ensuring that young people in Spokane have the support and resources they need to thrive. By fostering strong partnerships and encouraging community participation, Sacred Hoops for Life is carrying forward Bertha’s legacy and making sure that the next generation has access to mentorship, cultural teachings, and healthy lifestyle choices just as she envisioned.
Recognizing that SH4L's mission aligns closely with our Aunt Bertha's lifelong work, I am dedicated to using my role as the Macaroni Kid publisher to share these opportunities with Spokane families. By leveraging my skills in community outreach, digital media, and event promotion, I hope to ensure that programs like Sacred Hoops for Life receive the visibility and support they need to thrive. I am always keeping an eye out for other programs to showcase this way also!
Lance’s dedication to youth mentorship runs deep. While attending Haskell Indian Nations University, he was part of a rap group that used music to educate Native youth on cultural identity, history, and resilience. This passion for using creative outlets to empower young people led him to participate in the Northwest Indian Youth Conference in Spokane in 2009, where he and his rap group performed as part of the event’s efforts to engage and inspire Native youth. It was at this conference that Lance first met Shayna, who was working at The Native Project at the time. Although they first crossed paths then, they didn’t begin dating until 2011. Their shared passion for advocacy and mentorship brought them together, and ever since, they’ve been side by side, working to make a difference in their community.
Along with raising their four children, they also cared for Shayna’s grandfather, Wally, who played a significant role in their lives. His deep connection to family, culture, and community continues to inspire them, and they plan to honor his legacy in future Sacred Hoops for Life initiatives by incorporating teachings that reflect his values of strength, resilience, and connection.
Their First Basketball Skills Mini Camp
On February 23, 2025, Sacred Hoops for Life held its first-ever Basketball Skills Mini Camp, offering young athletes a chance to develop fundamental skills in a positive and supportive environment. The camp was divided into three separate age brackets: ages 5-7, 8-10, and 11 & up, ensuring that each group received tailored instruction appropriate to their skill level.
Kids were able to gain baseline basketball skills, work on teamwork and discipline, and engage with coaches and mentors who are passionate about youth development. Thanks to generous community sponsors, every participant received free gear, helping to remove financial barriers that often prevent kids from participating in sports.
My grandson participated in the camp and was so excited to learn all he could. He even left with a basketball, making the experience even more special. The event was a huge success, with parents and kids alike expressing excitement for future camps and ongoing training opportunities.
The Power of Community Connections
One of the core beliefs behind Sacred Hoops for Life is that no one succeeds alone. Community connections and relationships are the foundation of growth and success. Lance and Shayna emphasize the importance of being open to help, building strong partnerships, and working together with local organizations to create lasting change.
By strengthening relationships with businesses, community leaders, and families, Sacred Hoops for Life is working to break the cycle of addiction and negative behaviors that too often affect youth who lack support systems. Their programs provide not just basketball training, but also mentorship, positive role models, and a sense of belonging—key elements in helping young people make healthy life choices.
What They Offer & How You Can Get Involved
Sacred Hoops for Life’s core programs center around basketball, sports, music, and community service. But they’re not stopping there! They’re looking to expand based on Spokane’s community needs, including adding a food bank, library, and mentorship programs. A major goal is securing a consistent gym space to ensure year-round programming and provide a safe, reliable place for kids to develop their skills and confidence as well as nourishment, education, and personal growth. However, these expansions will depend on securing a permanent or semi-permanent space to house these initiatives.
Here’s how YOU can help:
š¹ Volunteer: Whether you’re a coach, mentor, or just someone who wants to give back, there’s a role for you in shaping the future of Spokane’s youth.
š¹ Partner: Businesses, organizations, and community leaders—your support can help secure facilities, sponsorships, and essential resources to sustain and grow these programs.
š¹ Donate: Contributions, whether monetary or in-kind (sports equipment, uniforms, books, food donations), help ensure these programs remain free and accessible to all kids.
š¹ Spread the Word: Follow Sacred Hoops for Life on social media, share their mission, and encourage others to get involved.
Why This Matters for Spokane Families
Sacred Hoops for Life is designed to provide opportunities for all youth, regardless of their future aspirations. Their programs not only keep kids active but also instill valuable life skills like teamwork, leadership, and perseverance. By fostering sportsmanship, education, and service, this initiative is committed to creating a brighter future for Spokane’s next generation.
Join the Movement!
š² Follow Sacred Hoops for Life on Facebook to stay updated on upcoming camps, community events, volunteer opportunities, and inspiring success stories.
You can also reach out through email if you have questions, would like to donate or partner with them! Email: SH4L82@yahoo.com
š¤ Let’s build stronger community connections together! Whether you’re a parent, local business, or community member, your involvement makes a difference.
Sacred Hoops for Life isn’t just about basketball—it’s about giving Spokane youth the support, mentorship, and opportunities they deserve!
