How an NBA team impacted Native American youth
I grew up in Wisconsin rooting for my hometown NBA team, the Milwaukee Bucks. I remember my dad taking me to the Bradley Center to see Bucks greats like Ray Allen (Jesus Shuttlesworth), Vin Baker and Glenn ‘Big Dog’ Robinson. Those experiences are some of my greatest memories and I couldn’t help to think that there are probably some of our Native youth that haven’t experienced the magic of an NBA game.
A few years ago while working as the Public Relations Officer with the Ho-Chunk Nation I reached out to the Milwaukee Bucks. I wanted to pitch to them the idea of a Native American Heritage Night. This night would allow for Wisconsin’s 11 tribes to be recognized and offer a couple minutes into our world through dancing and singing.
To my surprise, they returned my email and were excited to work together on pulling it off.
We ended up doing a pregame performance with a handful of dancers which was cool. Fast forward to the 2015–2016 season. The staff that I worked with on the previous year’s performance called me up and asked for another performance.
For the 2nd year, we went all out. We had all of Wisconsin’s tribes represented as dancers and singers for a halftime performance.
Something special
In the dressing area, Native youth were hurriedly getting their regalia on. Moms and dads were helping them with their bussels and feathers while posing for pictures. You could see the parents were so proud of their little performers.
As halftime neared, all of the performers lined the tunnel walls waiting for the court to clear. Every one of them had their phone out and were taking pictures of the arena. When they weren’t taking pictures of the arena they were taking selfies with one another. Everyone was nervously and anxiously waiting for go-time.
When the buzzer sounded the refs headed towards the tunnel where we were staged. The youth had big cheesy grins on their faces and stretched their hands out for high fives. As the refs passed they were smiling but willingly held their arms out to both sides as they walked through the tunnel for high fives. This was pure gold.
I couldn’t help but smile and think how cool of an experience this was for them. Heck, it was cool for me too but to see these kids beaming with joy meant more to me than being that close to the court.
Showtime
The drum group led the way to center court while the performers spread out. We were supposed to start as quickly as possible due to tight time constraints but everyone had to get their selfie game on. Seriously. They all went to a spot on the floor and started taking selfies and 360 panoramic views of the arena before starting their dances. I thought this was hilarious yet fitting for a demographic who is constantly sharing their experiences and lives on their social networks.
As the drum pounded at center court the rest of the court was filled with performers and their colorful regalia. Fans took in the sights and sounds of Wisconsin’s 11 tribal nations and gave a hearty applause at the conclusion.
The walk back to the staging area through the tunnel had everyone amped up. The performers were hugging, laughing and pausing for more pictures. They felt special. They felt proud.
Lasting impact
What would seem to most as just another Native American Heritage Night done by another professional sports team has way more significance than one would think. I know this because I experienced it. You can ask any one of those kids. I saw the energy, the optimism and the pride in their eyes that night.
I know the experience, the opportunity and the privilege to be part of that night will resonate with those kids forever. They probably won’t ever get to be on an NBA floor again or high five NBA refs as they pass through the tunnel. But they might. And they might also aspire to pursue an education that puts them in position to one day lead a professional sports team.
I’m happy to have shared that experience with them.
Beyond November
That one special night was awesome. I hope it continues to grow and becomes an even bigger event (Golden State Warriors halftime ;)). Props to the Milwaukee Bucks for being open and willing to engage the tribes and have a performance.
But here’s what I ultimately want.
I want for NBA teams and every other professional sports team to understand the impact they have on Native youth. It’s tremendous. There are so many opportunities to learn from one another and to get involved in our Native communities.
I want NBA teams to start a reading program in our tribal schools, have a basketball camp on our reservations or communities and get to know a tiny bit of our culture. Our Native youth have been left out of nearly every single outreach initiative by professional sports teams along with some of the most recognizable brands in the country.
There is certainly room and opportunity for these organizations to try something new and to build new relationships and impact more people than they’re aware of. That is what I want and will continue to help deliver amazing experiences for our tribal communities and Native youth.
See you in November.