Editorial: Arkansas Razorbacks and the Celebration of Native American Heritage

By Troy Littledeer | UKB Media Director

The Cherokee Lady Braves Basketball team with members of the Arkansas Razorback basketball program (Photo Troy Littledeer).

As March Madness grips the country, my thoughts turn to one particular team in the Southeastern Conference. Last November, I had the privilege of helping plan Native American Heritage Month events for the Arkansas Razorback women’s basketball team for the second year in a row. I invited Keetoowah Tradition Keeper Janelle Adair to join us both times. I’ve had some great conversations with Coach Lacey Goldwire, with help from Summer Wilkie and Lawrence Panther as well, to get these events ready.

In my preparations, I stumbled upon some advice that another organization gave a group for its Native American Heritage Night that really struck a chord: “Don’t talk over Native people or ignore them, especially about their own lives. They know more about being Native because they live it every day. Shutting them out is like erasing their culture.”

This season, I’ve watched the Razorbacks take this advice to heart. They didn’t just give a nod to Native American Heritage Month at one game; they welcomed our cultures, listened to us, and showed a desire to learn more, all with respect.

As the basketball season nears its end across the nation, I want everyone in Indian Country to know: The Arkansas Razorback women’s basketball team stands with us. They’ve transformed a simple “heritage night” into something extraordinary—a sincere effort to connect with Native culture.

The Razorbacks watch a presentation from students in Cherokee, N.C. (photo Troy Littledeer).

In December, Giduwa Cherokee News reporter Lani Hansen and I made a trip to Cherokee, North Carolina, to meet with the Cherokee One Feather News. We weren’t planning on seeing the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) visit with the Arkansas team, but it fit perfectly into our busy schedule. The team met the Cherokee Lady Braves and students from the New Kituwah Academy. Wa-do Coach Lacey Goldwire for inviting us and making it an amazing experience. Another huge thank you goes to EBCI Principal Chief Michell Hicks and his team for building on the foundation laid by Janelle Adair, Summer Wilkie, Lawrence Panther, and myself last fall.

Arkansas' Carly Keats of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw shows of her gift from the Cherokee Lady Braves (Photo Troy Littledeer).

The Razorbacks’ dedication to honoring Native and Cherokee traditions is truly admirable. A heartfelt “Sgi/Wa do" to Coach Mike Neighbors and the whole team for their genuine care. They have two Native players, Carly Keats (Mississippi Choctaw) and Kiki Smith (Comanche), who must feel a deep sense of pride seeing their heritage celebrated. It’s worth mentioning that more than half of the Arkansas Razorbacks’ roster is from overseas, with more international players planning on joining the team next season. These Native American presentations are the first time many of these women have had any kind of exposure or encounters with Native Americans or their cultures.

This editorial isn’t about wading around diversity, equity, and inclusion (D.E.I.) politics or just checking boxes on applications. It’s about amplifying voices that often go unheard. The Razorbacks are lighting the path, and Indian Country is stronger for it.