fbpx
 
On last week’s Native Bidaské (Spotlight), Native News Online Publisher and Editor Levi Rickert welcomed The North American Indigenous Athletics Hall of Fame (NAIAHF) founders Dan (Oneida) and Susan Ninham(Red Lake Ojibwe). 


NAIAHF celebrates the Indigenous sports cultures of North America by recognizing outstanding leadership and achievement in individual and team athletics. 

The 2023 class of NAIAHF inductees includes more than 75 athletes, coaches and teams honored for their athletic achievements and contributions to their respective sports — including Olympic gold medalist Billy Mills, football legend Jim Thorpe, and Paralympian Cheri Madsen. 

The Ninhams founded NAIAHF last year after decades of working with indigenous athletes. 

Never miss Indian Country’s biggest stories and breaking news. Sign up to get our reporting sent straight to your inbox every weekday morning. 

During the interview, Rickert talked to the pair about how and why the hall of fame, why it's essential to honor indigenous athletes and much more.

"They are inspirational," Don said. "We encourage them to empower others. They have to be known and recognized, and this is the medium we are doing it through... a number o these athletes will go to schools and communities and will share the message, 'I came from where you are right now, and I persevered... and you can do it to.'"

Watch the episode on our YouTube channel, or view the embedded video below. 

More Stories Like This

In Historic Move, Kevin McCarthy Ousted from Speaker of the House Post
Tribal College Opens Its First Voter Registration Office on Campus
Judge Rules Two Freedmen Eligible for Tribal Citizenship of Muscogee (Creek) Nation, Tribe Appeals
National Test of Emergency Alert System Set for Wednesday Afternoon
Indigenous Peoples’ Day Act Reintroduced in Congress

Stand with us in championing Indigenous journalism that makes a difference. Your support matters.

Support our Indigenous-led newsroom as we shed light on critical issues, such as the painful history of Indian Boarding Schools. To date, we've published nearly 200 stories dedicated to this important topic, providing insights and awareness to a global audience. Our news is freely accessible to all, but its production demands resources. That's why we're reaching out to you this month for your generous contribution.

For those who commit to a recurring donation of $12 per month or more, or make a one-time donation of $150 or greater, we're excited to offer you a copy of our upcoming Indian Boarding School publication. Additionally, you will be added to our Founder's Circle. Together, we can ensure that these vital stories continue to be told, shared, and remembered.

About The Author
Native News Online Staff
Author: Native News Online StaffEmail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Native News Online is one of the most-read publications covering Indian Country and the news that matters to American Indians, Alaska Natives and other Indigenous people. Reach out to us at [email protected].