A Conversation with Indigenous Youth Entrepreneur
Kaleb Montgomery-Reid, a Tech 4 Youth Grant recipient and 2025 Pow Wow Pitch Finalist, is transforming the world of youth athletics through Reverence Basketball, a training business based in West Kelowna, British Columbia. Kaleb is a member of the Lower Similkameen Indian Band and is on a mission to give Indigenous athletes the training, visibility, and belief they need to succeed, both on and off the court.
Reverence Basketball was born from Kaleb’s own journey as an Indigenous athlete who often lacked access to elite training. “I carried the weight of wanting something more, mentorship, guidance, and a pathway to the next level. That gap is what motivated me to start Reverence Basketball,” he shares. Today, the program has grown into a thriving platform offering weekly academies, private and semi-private workouts, community camps, and guidance through film, mentorship, and scholarship support.
Kaleb’s proudest accomplishment is seeing Reverence evolve beyond himself. “In less than a year, it’s become a space where athletes build skill, confidence, and leadership, and where Indigenous youth can see their identity celebrated,” he reflects. Partnerships with colleges, community camps, and the successes of young athletes are proof that Reverence is more than basketball, it’s a movement rooted in youth stories and of belonging to the community.
One of the biggest lessons Kaleb has learned is the power of relationships. While he initially thought building a program would be all about systems and strategy, he quickly realized that mentors, community connections, and the athletes themselves are the foundation of Reverence’s success. “The mentors who’ve guided me, the communities who’ve opened their doors, and the athletes who’ve trusted me are the relationships that have shown me growth doesn’t happen in isolation. They’ve become the foundation for where Reverence is headed and the proof that I know this work will last,” he notes.
Recent technology upgrades, provided through the Tech 4 Youth Grant and Best Buy Canada, have been game-changers for Kaleb. A new camera and computer allow him to capture and edit footage on the go, telling the stories of athletes and communities who deserve to be seen. “With every video, highlight, and story we share, we’re not just training players, we’re building visibility and opportunity that can change lives,” he explains.
Kaleb’s advice to young entrepreneurs is grounded in his experience, “Start with your story. Your lived experience, community, and perspective are your greatest strengths, they set you apart in ways no one else can copy. Don’t wait until you feel ‘ready.’ Take that first step, lean on your community, and keep moving forward even when it feels uncertain.”
Kaleb Montgomery-Reid’s journey with Reverence Basketball is a testament to what can be achieved when passion, identity, and community come together. By empowering young athletes and leveraging their strengths, he is proving that business can be both a pathway to personal success and a gift back to the people who shaped you.
Explore Kaleb’s journey with Reverence Basketball here. Learn more about the Tech 4 Youth Program here.