Recognizing Native American Athletes : From College to Pro Level
Christopher Adam Tenorio
Santo Domingo Pueblo & San Felipe Pueblo
Santo Domingo Pueblo & San Felipe Pueblo
“Olympic Figure.” PickPik, https://www.pickpik.com/art-black-and-white-blur-field-olympic-athlete-olympic-stadium-102866. Accessed 13 September 2024.
Lovato, Thomas. 2024 NMAA 3A State Track and Field Meet. 10 May 2024.
“Great Seal Of Santo Domingo Pueblo.” Santo Domingo Pueblo, https://santodomingopueblo.com/. Accessed 13 September 2024.
“Pueblo of San Felipe Seal.” Pueblo of San Felipe, https://sfpueblo.com/. Accessed 13 September 2024.
Identity
Tenorio, Christopher. “Sunrise”. Santa Fe Indian School,, NM, 12 Dec 2022
“Sharing One Skin: The Okanagan Community”
By Jeanette Armstrong (Publication, 1996)
In the article “Sharing One Skin” by Jeanette Armstrong, she explains how the Okanagan people view the world. They believe that their individual selves are composed of four main capacities, the physical self, the emotional self, the thinking-intellectual self, and the spiritual self. Each part is connected, not just to people, but also to nature. Armstrong highlights that “ the Okanagan word for “extended family” is translated as “Sharing one skin” I think that the idea behind “Sharing One Skin” is about realizing that everything is interconnected and the importance of living in balance while respecting the environment.
Armstrong, Jeanette. “Sharing One Skin: The Okanagan Community,” in Jerry Mander and Edward Goldsmith (eds), The Case Against the Global Economy. San Francisco, CA, Sierra Club Books, 1996. Pp 460-470.
Tenorio, Christopher. “Snow”. Santa Fe Indian School,, NM, 8 Nov 2024
"How place names impact the way we see landscape"
By B. ‘Toastie’ Oaster (High Country News, May 1, 2022)
Toastie explains how place names influence the way we see different landscapes and places. It compares how Indigenous people and colonizers named places. Indigenous names are usually tied to stories that hold cultural, spiritual, or environmental significance, creating a deep connection to the land. In contrast, colonizers gave names that reflected power or “important” figures, often disconnecting the land from its original meaning. The renaming of these places not only changes how people see the land but also impacts Indigenous people's connection to their own identity.
Toastie, B. “How place names impact the way we see landscape.” High Country News: Know the West, 1 May 2022, https://www.hcn.org/issues/54.5/people-places-how-place-names-impact- the-way-we-see-landscape.
Tenorio, Christopher. “Clouds”. Santo Domingo Pueblo,, NM, 24 Apr 2022
"And then I Went To School: Memories of a Pueblo Childhood"
By Joseph H. Suina (NM Journal of Reading, Winter 1985)
This story describes Joe Suina's childhood experiences growing up in Cochiti and then attending a white school. In the pueblo, life revolved around community, spirituality, and cultural traditions that were passed down from generations to him by his grandma. When he started school, he faced an unfamiliar environment where he was forced to speak English, and his pueblo upbringing was looked down upon. As time passed, Suina watched technology and production evolve in the Western world as well as saw the impact that English education had on his pueblo. He started to understand that to survive in the New World he would have to sacrifice parts of his identity. The story ends with the realization of what he had to do to survive and then a prayer. The cornmeal was a small but powerful reminder of his true identity despite limitations from the outside world.
Suina, Joseph “And I went to school” memories of a pueblo childhood,”. New Mexico Journal of Reading, Winter 1985, Vol. V, No.2.
History
“Jim Thorpe at the 1912 Summer Olympics.” Store norske leksikon, 23 July 1912, https://images.app.goo.gl/CKwPufzhemd9c5Dz8. Accessed 11 October 2024.
By John Bloom (Publication, September 14, 2000)
In part of the book “To Show What an Indian Can Do”, by John Bloom we are introduced to the segregation of both male and female students at Native American Boarding schools. The BIA viewed boarding schools as a way to assimilate Native Children into Western civilization and believed that this would change them for the better. Pratt’s vision for the Carlisle Indian School included physical education as a way of instilling discipline, which he believed would transform the children into “Imitation white men” (10). Pratt had mixed feelings towards sports, especially football. He saw it as both a way to progress and a source of violence. His conflicting views reflect the societal problems regarding race, gender, and the role of sports in defining identity and morality. “Any display of anger would only confirm to audiences that “they are savages”” This quote shows the pressure on Native American students to be their best selves to avoid reinforcing negative stereotypes.
To Show what an Indian Can Do: Sports at Native American Boarding Schools, by John Bloom, University of Minnesota Press, 2000, pp. 1-19.
“Billy Mills and Mohammed Gammoudi competing in the 1964 10.000 meter run.” Wikimedia Commons, 1964, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Billy_Mills#/media/File:Billy_Mills_and_Mohammed_Gammoudi_1964.jpg. Accessed 11 October 2024.
By Greg Boeck (USA Today, February 22, 2007)
In “The Native American Barrier,” Greg Boeck discusses the challenges Native American Athletes face when trying to gain recognition in sports. High dropout rates, cultural values that emphasize community over individualism, and lack of exposure create obstacles for Native American athletes like Ryne Hemstreet, who dreamed of playing baseball at a higher level. “As a Native American, nobody takes you too seriously that you can play at that level”” It's my job to go out and get noticed.”-Hemstreet (2) Brandon Leslie’s struggles as an Olympic runner reflect the lack of financial support. Even as a top-tier athlete, He still lacked financial backing. It also talked about past athletes such as Jim Thorpe and Notah Begay III.
Boeck, Greg. "The Native American barrier." USA Today, 22 Feb. 2007, p. 01C. Gale In Context: Middle School, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A159887260/MSIC?u=nm_s_santafeis&sid=ebsco&xid=bf7efa3d. Accessed 4 Oct. 2024.
Smithsonian Institution. “Carlisle Indian School Students, Outside YMCA Building.” Flickr, Smithsonian Institution, https://www.flickr.com/photos/housedivided/5465538657/in/photostream/. Accessed 15 Nov 2024.
By Steve Sheinkin (Publication, January 17, 2017)
Jim Thorpe faced many personal and professional challenges throughout his life, the most tragic being the death of his son James Junior in 1918. His grief led to a decline in his personal life, impacting his relationship with his wife which contributed to their separation. Despite these hard times, Thorpe continued to excel in his top sport which was football. He led the Canton Bulldogs to multiple championships and became the first president of the American Professional Football Conference which later turned into the NFL. Thorpe’s team, the Oorang Indians countered stereotypes but separated after a short run. His legacy was solidified and is now remembered as one of the greatest athletes of the 20th century. “It was great to see the folks haven’t forgotten old Jim” (231) This quote reflects the lasting recognition of Thorpe’s impact, emphasizing the importance of honoring Native American athletes and their contributions to sports history.
Sheinkin, Steve. Undefeated; Jim Thorpe and the Carlisle Indian School Football Team, Square Fish, 2019, pp. 223-233.
Current State of the Issue
“The Problem With Football Is Not Colin Kaepernick.” Shondaland.com, 28 September 2017, https://www.shondaland.com/live/family/a12487593/the-problem-with-football-not-colin-kaepernick/. Accessed 18 November 2024.
Colin Kaepernick, a former quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers, gained fame for kneeling during the national anthem to protest racial injustice and police brutality. This act sparked nationwide debates about privilege, patriotism, and systemic racism. While initially celebrated for his athletic achievements, including leading the 49ers to a Super Bowl victory, Kaepernick’s activism ultimately defined his legacy. Despite facing backlash and being excluded from the NFL, he remained steadfast in his commitment to advocating for social change. His protest inspired other athletes and earned him recognition, including awards for raising awareness about racial inequality.
Britannica, The Editors of Encyclopaedia. "Colin Kaepernick". Encyclopedia Britannica, 31 Oct. 2024, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Colin-Kaepernick. Accessed 4 November 2024.
“Jim Thorpe Canton Bulldogs 1915-20.jpg.” Wikimedia Commons, 1915-1920, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Jim_Thorpe_Canton_Bulldogs_1915-20.jpg. Accessed 18 November 2024.
By David Maraniss (The Guardian, August 9, 2022)
This article recently brought to light the reinstatement of Jim Thorpe as the gold medalist in the Pentathlon and Decathlon from the 1912 Olympic Games. It delved into Thorpe’s background as a Native American from the SAC and FOX nation, who was stripped of his titles for playing minor league baseball, violating “amateurism rules” that were often unfairly enforced. David Maraniss’s biography, “Path Lit by Lightning,” delves into Thorpe’s athletic achievements and the struggles he faced due to systemic racism, financial instability, and personal losses. Maraniss emphasizes how, despite the forced assimilation policies at Carlisle Indian School, Thorpe never lost his cultural pride and consistently advocated for Native American representation.
"'Everybody knew Jim Thorpe': David Maraniss on a great Native American; Pultizer winner's new biography tells fascinating story of a star athlete recently recognized as a double Olympic champion." Guardian [London, England], 9 Aug. 2022, p. NA. Gale Academic OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A713185760/AONE?u=nm_s_santafeis&sid=ebsco&xid=46ea2cc2. Accessed 4 Nov. 2024.
Global Connections
Johnny Mullagh. 2020. MCG, https://www.mcg.org.au/whats-on/latest-news/2020/december/johnny-mullagh-inducted-into-australian-cricket-hall-of-fame. Accessed 28 Feb 2025.
"His cricket was fierce but 156
summers later, has Australia done
justice to Johnny Mullagh?"
By Angus Fontaine (The Guardian, Dec 29, 2024)
This article highlights Johnny Mullagh, an Indigenous Australian cricketer who led the 1868 Aboriginal team on a historic tour of England. Despite his achievements, Indigenous representation in Australian cricket remains severely limited, only eight Indigenous players have represented the country internationally since 1880. The Johnny Mullagh Medal was established to honor his legacy, yet Indigenous cricketers continue to encounter significant barriers in the sport. As Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hockley noted, Mullagh and the 1868 team’s story is one of resilience, triumph, discrimination, and tragedy. Players like Scott Boland and Jason Gillespie are now advocating for improved opportunities for Indigenous athletes, but substantial progress is still needed to make a change. Indigenous athletes have historically been overlooked and underrepresented at the highest levels of sports, echoing the experiences of Native American athletes in the United States. While recognition is important, it alone is insufficient. The Johnny Mullagh Medal honors Mullagh’s legacy, but Indigenous cricketers still struggle to break into the sport. This is similar to the challenges faced by Native American athletes—moments of recognition are fleeting, and systemic barriers, such as lack of resources, persist. Seeing players like Boland and Gillespie push for better Indigenous representation in cricket underscores the need for more advocates and programs to ensure Native American athletes receive the opportunities they deserve.
Fontaine, Angus. “His cricket was fierce but 156 summers later, has Australia done justice to Johnny Mullagh?” The Guardian, 30 December 2024, https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2024/dec/30/his-cricket-was-fierce-and-trailblazing-156-summers-later-has-australia-done-justice-to-johnny-mullagh. Accessed 3 March 2025
The Five Protective Factors of “Exercising” Sovereignty include community, resilience, relationality, abundance, and strength. Author designed with artistic rendering by Courtney M. Leonard and Frank Buffalo Hyde. Accessed 3 Mar 2025
"Indigenizing Sport Research: Analyzing Protective Factors
of Exercising Sovereignty in North America"
By Alisse Ali-Joseph, Kelsey Leonard, and Natalie Welch (Human Kinetics Journals, Nov 6, 2023)
This article by Alisse Ali-Joseph, Kelsey Leonard, and Natalie Welch delves into the challenges faced by Indigenous athletes in sports and how they navigate these obstacles through activism, community, and resilience. One significant issue highlighted is the targeting of Indigenous athletes for expressing their cultural identity, particularly through their hairstyles. The authors showcase the courageous efforts of young athletes, such as the Navajo women’s basketball team, who fought to wear their traditional “tsiiyeel” while competing despite exclusion. The concept of abundance is also explored, emphasizing how Indigenous athletes create opportunities for their communities. Jessie Stomski-Seim exemplifies this when she advocated for Indigenous representation in the NCAA Women’s Basketball Final Four, leading to increased visibility and resources. Moreover, the article underscores the crucial role of family and community in Indigenous sports, particularly in overcoming systemic barriers. A striking example is Ted Nolan and his sons, who, despite facing racism in hockey, established programs like the 3NOLANS to uplift Indigenous youth. Through these narratives, the authors demonstrate that Indigenous athletes are not merely competitors but actively reclaiming space and challenging the structures that have historically marginalized them.
Ali-Joseph, Alisse, Kelsey Leonard, and Natalie Welch. "Indigenizing Sport Research: Analyzing Protective Factors of Exercising Sovereignty in North America". Sociology of Sport Journal 40.4 (2023): 410-418. < https://doi.org/10.1123/ssj.2023-0006>. Web. 3 Mar. 2025
Olympic rings in the Place du Trocadéro in Paris.jpg." Wikimedia Commons. 29 Aug 2024, 16:59 UTC. 3 Mar 2025, 19:52 <https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Olympic_rings_in_the_Place_du_Trocad%C3%A9ro_in_Paris.jpg&oldid=917316270>.Accessed 3 March 2025
"Indigenous athletes: what it takes to get to the Olympics"
Guests : Dan Ninham, Waneek Horn-Miller, Maurice Smith, Rick Baker (Native America Calling, July 30, 2024)
The discussion on Native America Calling highlights the increasing presence of indigenous athletes at the olympics, specifically in the 2024 Paris Games. New Zealand has the highest number of Indigenous competitors in its History, contributing to the 53 Indigenous competitors in its history, contributing to the 53 indigenous athletes from various countries. The Interview explored what it takes to compete at such a high level featuring guests like Dan Ninham (Oneida Nation of Wisconsin), Waneek Horn-Miller (Mohawk), Maurice Smith (Navajo), and Rick Baker (Hopi). The Podcast was about representation, training challenges, and the importance of recognizing indigenous identity through sports. They also discussed the legacy of Past native olympians, like Billy mills, and how indigenous communities can better support athletes reaching elite levels.
Tuesday, July 30, 2024 – Indigenous athletes: what it takes to get to the Olympics. 2024. Native America Calling, https://www.nativeamericacalling.com/tuesday-july-30-2024-indigenous-athletes-what-it-takes-to-get-to-the-olympics/. Accessed 3 Mar 2025.
Personal Connection
Recognizing Native American Athletes - And My Role In It
When I began my SHP project this year, I had no idea what topic I wanted to pursue. I explored various ideas, each time thinking I’d settled on something, only to change my mind again. During our library session with Ms. Longeteig, I felt the pressure to finally decide, as the deadline was quickly approaching. Mrs. Grimley then approached me, asking if I’d found an article, and when I told her I hadn’t even chosen a topic, she offered a few suggestions. The topic I eventually chose—Recognizing Native American Athletes—was one of her recommendations, and it resonated with me. As a track and field athlete since freshman year, I realized I wanted to explore a topic where I had a personal connection and something that mattered not only to me but also to a broader community.
Native American athletes are often overlooked, rarely receiving the recognition they deserve, and when they do, it’s often with stereotypes or misconceptions. This project is important to me because I believe in highlighting these athletes’ stories to encourage younger generations, whether they’re involved in sports or not, to pursue their dreams and make a name for themselves. Native American athletes frequently encounter barriers—ranging from limited recruitment to a lack of support that non-Native athletes may not face. Many Native athletes are from communities with limited resources and opportunities, which hinders their progression to the professional level.
Lovato, Thomas. 2024 NMAA 3A State Track and Field Meet. 10 May 2024.
Action Plan
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