Your Indigenous Peoples' Day Sports Starter Pack

I’m out today working on a Manhattan project (no, not that one!), which I’m excited to share soon. But the OffBall creative roster runs deep and I’m honored to hand the newslettering reins to Madison Hammond, the first Native American player in the NWSL, in celebration of Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Madison is one of a few Native Americans to reach the highest levels of their sports. Who better to share the centuries-deep influence of this rich culture on sports, which extends to Hollywood, the Olympics and even the origins of sport itself? Take it away, Madison.

What up, OffBall fam?! First things first, Indigenous Peoples’ Day is a celebration of life and resilience. Ingrained in our diverse cultures is a respect for the Land and the vast range of accomplishment in each community. Today, I’ve got my own Indigenous Peoples' Day Starter Pack for y’all. What are the things you should do, watch, read, know about Indigenous culture today—all the things that rise to the top for me.

1. Yes, we’ve all seen Disney’s Pocahontas but check out these stories on your day off. Between Hocus Pocus and Coco you can watch Prey (Hulu). Indigenous actress Amber Midthunder (Nakoda/Lakota/Dakota) is the lead and she runs, literally, the whole movie—how can you not call that an athlete? Then check out Rez Ball (Netflix), a love letter to the Southwest and a tale about brotherhood and basketball. (My 11-year-old cousin is in the opening scene, you guys.)

2. Immerse yourself in the legacy of the Indigenous athlete OG’s. Jim Thorpe won gold at the 1912 Olympics, and starred in pro football, baseball, basketball, even ballroom dancing before becoming the first president of a little startup we now call the NFL. Widely regarded as thee greatest athlete of all-time, Thorpe has inspired not just books and film, but good books and film.

3. Dive deeper in that legacy. My uncle Notah Begay III, now an NBC broadcaster, was the first Native American to play on the PGA Tour, where he won four tournaments. Our people literally invented lacrosse, displaying an athletic prowess and enterprise that dates back well before 1492. I see our collective pride every time I go back to my native New Mexico and in our traditional dances. It’s ingrained in who I am, and what sport means to my community. It's an opportunity and expression on full display. 

4. Compare your beaded earrings… Well first, go buy them at your local arts fair, and look through all the possible earring options. It’s a favorite pastime of mine and honestly shopping for them is a competitive sport unto itself. I’ll definitely be headed to the fairs at the Heard Museum in Phoenix when I visit my mom.

5. Lastly, engage in a sports debate.. about food. The Great Southwestern Indian Debate. Indian tacos, frito pie or oven bread (toasted) with butter? For me it’s an Indian taco…but what makes it “Indian?” You sub out a normal tortilla for a piece of hot frybread. Then you add meat, lettuce, cheese, more cheese, and red chile on top. And I’ll take it with no beans.