Amplifying Indigenous Voices in Sports: An Interview on Representation, Identity, and Change
11.26.24
By Rashida Joiner
Recently, I had the privilege of sitting down with Brandon Joseph, a key figure in the fight for Indigenous representation in sports. As the co-founder of Decolonize Sports, a multimedia project dedicated to sharing stories in sports and culture from a Native perspective, Brandon brings a unique and invaluable insight into the intersection of Indigenous identity and sports. His experiences not only shed light on the barriers faced by Indigenous athletes but also highlight the pivotal role that sports can play in preserving culture and empowering future generations.
One of the key points raised during our conversation was the historical underrepresentation and misrepresentation of Indigenous athletes in mainstream sports, specifically lacrosse. For centuries, Indigenous people have faced systemic barriers that limited their access to opportunities in sports, whether due to geographic isolation, lack of resources, or cultural stereotyping. This historical context is crucial to understanding the challenges that Indigenous athletes continue to face today. Brandon emphasized how the media has often perpetuated one-dimensional stereotypes about Indigenous communities, distorting their rich histories and diverse cultures.
“It’s a product of colonization and our experiences with education and assimilation,” said Brandon. “People have been trying to tell our story for hundreds of years, and they tell it the wrong way. We must control the narrative and take up space.” Brandon, who is Koyukon Athabascan on his father’s side and Muscogee Creek on his mother’s side, speaks specifically about the visibility of Indigenous People in lacrosse regarding the sport’s history. “We’re in this lacrosse space which is on the mainstream known as an elite white sport,” he states. “Native people have been playing stick and ball games for centuries, but you’re not seeing a ton of native athletes. If it’s a native sport, where are the native people?”
Lacrosse, one of the oldest team sports in North America, was originally a spiritual and cultural event for many Indigenous peoples. It was played to resolve conflicts, train warriors, and celebrate community. Yet, as settler cultures took hold, the game was co-opted, diluting its original meaning. It wasn’t until the 20th century that efforts were made to reclaim the game and revitalize its Indigenous roots. Decolonize Sports is leading the efforts to reclaim the game that is rightfully theirs.
Brandon continues, “You see a lack of representation at the highest levels of lacrosse from native people. A couple hundred years ago, native people were prohibited from playing lacrosse when settlers took it over. And so, none of this is accidental. So the thought of Decolonize Sports is that we need to be telling the story. “It’s an act of decolonization. It’s an act of taking back the space that is rightfully ours and celebrating the indigenity of lacrosse.”
While there have been significant barriers, many Indigenous athletes have fought to make their mark in professional sports despite the odds. For many Indigenous athletes, success is not just personal but also a form of resistance. It’s about reclaiming space in environments where they have historically been excluded. Alissa Pili, for example, is a basketball player recently drafted to the WNBA’s Minnesota Lynx. Pili’s connection to her Indigenous roots is an integral part of her identity, and she has expressed pride in her heritage throughout her life and basketball career. Indeed, athletes like Alissa have become role models in their communities, inspiring others to pursue their athletic dreams while staying connected to their roots.
Brandon spoke passionately about the importance of visibility for Indigenous youth, especially as Decolonize Sports highlights the game of lacrosse. “What’s important is that the community appreciates what we do,” he states. “When they see native people playing lacrosse, the youth take to that. They don’t have much access to it right now, but that’s the next step. We need the support of our communities to make this a reality.” This emphasis on community support makes us all feel connected and involved in this important mission.
The conversation with Brandon leaves us with a powerful reminder: sports are not just about competition but about identity, community, and resilience. As Indigenous athletes continue to break down barriers and challenge stereotypes, they redefine what it means to be an athlete and create a space where future generations can thrive. More importantly, they are actively using sports as a tool for cultural preservation and empowerment, ensuring that their rich heritage is not lost in the modern world.
As we continue to push for more inclusive spaces in sports, we must honor the Indigenous history of sports, listen to the voices of Indigenous athletes, and support their journey. Their experiences are a testament to their strength and an invitation for the world to better understand the profound connections between culture, identity, and sport. Indigenous athletes’ stories, struggles, and triumphs remind us of the power of sport as a tool for cultural preservation, empowerment, and change. The more we amplify these voices, the richer our athletic communities—and the world at large—will become.
For more information about Decolonize Sports, visit their website at www.decolonizesports.com