Indigenizing Sport: Beyond Tokenism

The rise of people of color as sport athletes has been contentious and controversial. Although they are more visible in professional sports, much of their existence is underpinned by “white” systems. Many of these athletes are forced to work in a capitalist individualist structure which runs contrary to their collective cultural ways. As a result, many sporting organizations are culturally exclusive at worst and cultural box ticking at best. As Indigenous researchers, we believe it is not good enough to just have people of color, but to also incorporate their culture and knowledge systems within the sport arena. Through the analysis of Indigenous athletes, we invade these traditionally White spaces with our ancestral knowledge and ways of being. It is envisioned that this chapter is a strengths-based guide to better work with Indigenous athletes.