Sports and Indigenous Pride explores how sports serve as more than just games for Indigenous communities; they are vital tools for cultural preservation, community building, and asserting identity.
The book highlights how reclaiming traditional sports and navigating mainstream athletics provide platforms for social and political activism.
Historically, Indigenous sports were suppressed through colonization, making their modern resurgence a powerful act of resilience.
The book delves into the revival of traditional games like lacrosse and stickball, examining their cultural significance and adaptation.
It then explores the experiences of Indigenous athletes in mainstream sports, addressing issues like racism and cultural appropriation, while also showcasing successes.
Case studies across North America, Australia, and New Zealand illustrate these points, emphasizing how sports become a stage for political activism and asserting Indigenous rights.
Through ethnographic research and interviews, Sports and Indigenous Pride presents a unique perspective on Indigenous agency in shaping their sporting experiences.
It moves beyond challenges to highlight resilience and determination in reclaiming cultural heritage through sports.
The book demonstrates that athletic participation fosters pride, cohesion, and well-being, and that sports have profound social and political implications for Indigenous communities.
