A Modern Expression of Indigenous Identity
Basketball is more than a pastime for Native people. Across Indian Country many view basketball as a modern expression of Indigenous identity. Overtime, a collective pride in basketball formed and it not only was viewed as a method for practicing sport, but also became a way to continue honoring tribal organizing principles and values.
Uplifting Our Relatives Through Opportunities
Opportunities and professional trajectories for Native players and athletes remain low due to underfunding and lack of scouting in rural communities. To combat that, Native Organizers Alliance is co-sponsoring Turtle Island Hoops, which is part of the First Light Scholar-Athlete pilot program for Native American youth.
First Light Scholar-Athlete Pilot Program
The national First Light Scholar-Athlete Pilot Program is focused on creating exposure, access, opportunities, and preparedness for Native students who are interested in establishing and widening their path into college athletics.
The program gives participants the opportunity to strengthen their skills with Native coaches. Participants also have the opportunity to connect with Native staff at universities across the Nation to discuss college access and how to best prepare for the college admissions process. By partnering with local tribes and Native organizations, participants can also use them to broaden their resources and connections more effectively.
Summer Sizzle Shootout Tournament
In 2022, 14 Native student-atheltes gathered in Boston for one week of training and learning hosted by the University of Massachusetts/Boston Institute for New England Native American Studies. With over 100 colleges and universities in New England that offer basketball at the NCAA Division 1, 2, or 3 levels, this makes the Northeast and New England a hub for academic and athletic excellence that will provide student-athletes with the most exposure to coaching at the college level.
Participants for this Turtle Island Hoops team were invited from tribal communities from New England and North Carolina. During the week, participants practiced with Native coaches from national high school and collegiate ranks in preparation for the “Summer Sizzle Shootout” tournament, which was promoted by the Hoop Group at the iRoy Multi-Sport Complex in Collegeville, PA.
We hope that future iterations of this program will have a broader reach, spanning across all regions of Indian Country.
Support Turtle Island Hoops
Want to help Native student-athletes achieve their dreams? Donate today to help fund opportunities for additional students to participate in the program.
