![]() ![]() Like the boys from Poplar or the Warrior Movement, these teams consistently play and represent themselves as if the game means more than wins and losses because, for them and for every school from a tribal community, it is more than just a game. Teams and players from Indian reservations and tribal communities embody President Mandela’s notion of sports. This type of March madness - exemplified by but not limited to Montana - mirrors the historic and legal oppression of Indian tribes and denies our shared potential to harness the power of sport to change the world. One of the most powerful stories happened even before the state tournament began, when the boys from Poplar won a thrilling divisional game in overtime on a buzzer-beating basket and then showed ultimate class by consoling the star of the losing team.īut, despite the hope and unity that these teams inspired, they and other teams from tribal communities are regularly denigrated and disrespected by fans, businesses, and, worst of all, state officials. The Wolf Point girls won their first title since 2003 the Box Elder girls won their second of back-to-back championships, and the Warrior Movement from Arlee, profiled last year in the New York Times, continued to grow as both Arlee’s boys and girls played at state. Here in Montana, March has brought very little springtime, but this year’s state high school basketball tournaments delivered inspiration in buckets, especially from teams hailing from Indian Country. March means two things: springtime and basketball tournaments, both of which inspire hope for a better future. Sport can create hope where there was only despair.” It speaks to youth in a language they understand. ![]() It has the power to unite people in a way that little else does. “Sport has the power to change the world. Like Tweet Email Print Subscribe Donate Now ![]()
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