Category: Hockey

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Hockey NDN All-Star Info NDN All-Star Profile Ojibwe Olympics

NDN All-Star #20 Henry Boucha: The Electric Indian

NDN All-Star #20 Henry Boucha (Ojibwe)

NDN All-Star #20 Henry Boucha: The Electric Indian

For kids growing up in Minnesota, hockey was everywhere. Cold winters, frozen ponds, and local rinks were part of daily life. But for Native kids, it was rare to see someone who looked like them playing at the highest levels. That’s why NDN All-Star #20 Henry Boucha (Ojibwe) meant so much. He wasn’t just a great player—he was NATIVE!

Henry Boucha was Ojibwe, from Warroad, Minnesota—a small town with a huge hockey tradition. Warroad has produced NHL players before, but Henry stood out from the start. He was a star at Warroad High School, leading his team to the 1969 state championship game. People still talk about how dominant he was that year. Fast, skilled, and fearless—he played both defense and forward, and his intensity lit up the rink. That’s how he earned the nickname “The Electric Indian.”

After high school, Henry joined the U.S. National Team and played in the 1972 Winter Olympics in Sapporo, Japan. He helped Team USA bring home the silver medal. That alone would have made for a proud career—but Henry was just getting started.

Later that year, he joined the NHL after being drafted 16th overall by the Detroit Red Wings. He made an instant impact. I remember watching clips of his early games—his skating, his puck control, and his signature red headband made him stand out. He scored a goal in his very first game and was named Detroit’s Rookie of the Year.

Henry later played for the Minnesota North Stars and Kansas City Scouts, but his best NHL days were probably with the Red Wings. He had speed, strength, and a style of play that was exciting to watch. And for Native fans, seeing that headband flying down the ice made everyone proud.

But like too many stories, his playing career was cut short. In 1975, during a game with the North Stars, Boucha took a high stick to the eye. The injury was serious, and even though he tried to return, his vision never fully recovered. He was only 24. The game lost a star, and we lost someone who was just hitting his stride.

Still, Henry didn’t fade away. After retiring, he went through some hard times, but eventually found strength by reconnecting with his Ojibwe heritage. He became an advocate for Native youth and worked to bring attention to Native issues. He spoke out, gave back, and kept showing up for his community.

In 1995, he was inducted into the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame. For me, that felt like long-overdue recognition. He’d already earned the respect of fans, players, and coaches. But that honor made it official—Henry Boucha was one of the greats.

Henry passed away in 2023 at the age of 72. Even though his NHL career was short, his impact was long-lasting. He opened doors and created a path for Native players who came after him. Names like NDN All-Star #57 Jordin Tootoo (Inuit), NDN All-Star #36 T.J. Oshie (Ojibwe), and NDN All-Star #19 Ethan Bear (Cree/Ochowapace) all followed in footsteps that Henry helped carve out.

What makes Henry Boucha unforgettable isn’t just his stats or even his nickname—it’s how he carried himself. He played hard, stood tall, and never hid who he was. For Native kids who loved hockey, he was proof that Native players belonged out there!

So yeah, I’ll always remember NDN All-Star #20 Henry Boucha—the Electric Indian—not just for what he did on the ice, but for what he meant to the game, and to us.

 

Bill Black, founder of NDN All-Stars with his father, Bill Black, Sr. (Quah-Lee-Lah).
Bill Black(l), founder of NDN All-Stars with his father, Bill Black, Sr.

Bill Black is the creator and “General Manager of NDN All-Stars, celebrating great Native American athletes past and present.  He is a first generation descendant of the Okanogan Band of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, and resides in Omak, WA.

#NDNAllstars #HenryBoucha #Ojibwe #hockey #NHL #RedWings #NorthStars #Scouts

If you enjoy the content here and would like to help support our mission of celebrating great Native athletes of the past and present, please take a look at our NDN All-Stars Shop. Proceeds from every purchase help us continue to retell these stories. Also, if you would like to donate to this effort, please visit our Patreon page.

Thank you for your support!

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Cree Hockey NDN All-Star Info NDN All-Star Profile Ochopawace

NDN All-Star #19 Ethan Bear: Pride on the Ice

NDN All-Star #129 Ethan Bear (Cree/Ochopawace)

NDN All-Star #19 Ethan Bear

As a lifelong sports fan, I’ve always paid close attention when a Native athlete makes it to the big leagues. For me, seeing NDN All-Star #19 Ethan Bear (Cree/Ochopawace) take the ice in the NHL was a significant moment. It meant a lot—not just because of his talent, but because of what he represents.

Ethan Bear is from the Ochapowace Nation in Saskatchewan, and he grew up playing hockey just like a lot of kids in Canada. Hockey has always been a huge part of life in the north, and while it’s still not an easy road for Native players, hockey has actually had more Indigenous representation over the years than many other major sports. From early players like NDN All-Star #22 Fred Sasakamoose (Ahtakakoop Cree) to modern names like NDN All-Star #48 Carey Price (Dahelh), the NHL has quietly had a stronger presence of Native athletes than people often realize. That’s part of what makes Ethan’s story so important—he’s carrying on a long, proud tradition.

He played junior hockey with the Seattle Thunderbirds in the Western Hockey League, where he quickly became one of the most solid defensemen in the league. I remember reading about how he could control the puck, take smart shots from the blue line, and hold his ground under pressure. Scouts noticed, too. The Edmonton Oilers drafted him in 2015, 124th overall. That might not sound like a top pick, but he earned his shot and made it count.

Ethan made his NHL debut with the Oilers in 2018. Seeing a Native player out there, wearing that jersey, skating with confidence—it meant something. And then in 2020, during an exhibition game, he wore his jersey with his name spelled in Cree syllabics. That wasn’t just a cool detail. That was pride, front and center.

Since his debut, Ethan has played for several NHL teams, including the Carolina Hurricanes and the Vancouver Canucks. As of now, he’s skating with the Washington Capitals. Along the way, he’s had to deal with some things most players don’t—ignorant remarks online, and a lack of recognition for what it means to carry your culture into a game that doesn’t always highlight it. But Ethan hasn’t backed down. He’s spoken up, stayed steady, and kept showing up.

One thing I really admire is how he carries his heritage with him. He has his name written in Cree syllabics on his hockey sticks. It’s not loud or flashy, but it’s meaningful. It’s there during every practice, every game—a quiet but steady reminder of who he is and where he comes from.

Ethan Bear is more than just a defenseman. He’s part of a legacy of Native players in the NHL who’ve made their presence felt, even if the league hasn’t always made a big deal about it. He’s also a role model for Native youth who dream about playing at the highest level. He reminds us that our stories belong in every sport—even ones like hockey, where Native athletes have been present for decades, even if we not always seen.

Watching Ethan play reminds me that pride, identity, and community matter just as much as stats and trophies. His career is still going, and I’m excited to see what’s next for him.

But even now, I can already say this—NDN All-Star #19 Ethan Bear has made his mark. And for a fan of Native American athletes like me, he’s someone we’ll always root for.

 

Bill Black, founder of NDN All-Stars with his father, Bill Black, Sr. (Quah-Lee-Lah).
Bill Black(l), founder of NDN All-Stars with his father, Bill Black, Sr.

Bill Black is the creator and “General Manager of NDN All-Stars, celebrating great Native American athletes past and present.  He is a first generation descendant of the Okanogan Band of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, and resides in Omak, WA.

#NDNAllstars #EthanBear #Cree #Ochopawace #hockey #NHL #Capitals #Canucks #Oilers  #defenseman

If you enjoy the content here and would like to help support our mission of celebrating great Native athletes of the past and present, please take a look at our NDN All-Stars Shop. Proceeds from every purchase help us continue to retell these stories. Also, if you would like to donate to this effort, please visit our Patreon page.

Thank you for your support!

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Hockey NDN All-Star Info Ojibwe Video Archeology

Video Archeology: The Electric Indian – A Story That Sticks With You

NDN All-Stars "Video Archeology" Movie Of The Week graphic

I just watched The Electric Indian on PBS, and I’ve got to say—it’s the kind of story that stays with you. As someone who’s always been drawn to Native athletes and the legacies they leave behind, this film hit home. It’s not just a hockey documentary. It’s a personal, emotional, and deeply important story about NDN All-Star #20 Henry Boucha—Ojibwe warrior, Olympic Silver medalist, former NHL star, and community leader.

Henry Boucha’s name has a place in the conversation when we talk about Native athletes who opened doors. I knew the basics going in—he was a high school phenom in Warroad, Minnesota, went on to win a silver medal with Team USA in the 1972 Winter Olympics, and played in the NHL for the Detroit Red Wings and Minnesota North Stars. I also knew that his career ended far too early after a brutal on-ice injury. But what The Electric Indian does so well is bring all of that into focus—and it does it through Henry’s own voice.

Directed by Leya Hale (Dakota and Diné), the documentary doesn’t sugarcoat anything. It’s raw, honest, and respectful. Hale lets Boucha lead the narrative, and that makes all the difference. This isn’t a story told about Henry—it’s told with him. You can feel that trust in every frame. His voice is clear, direct, and full of meaning. He doesn’t hold back about the pain he experienced—on and off the ice—but he also doesn’t dwell on it. That balance is what makes the film so powerful.

The first part of the film takes us through Henry’s early life in Warroad. He grew up in a hockey town, but being a Native kid meant constantly dealing with a system that didn’t expect much from you—or worse, didn’t want you to succeed. But he stood out anyway. He wasn’t just good—he was something special. People called him “The Electric Indian,” and that name followed him through high school, the Olympics, and into the NHL.

The nickname itself is complicated, and the film doesn’t shy away from that either. It’s catchy, sure—but it also reflects a time when Native athletes were often treated as mascots or novelties. Henry carried that name, but in this documentary, he gets to define it on his own terms. That’s something I appreciated deeply. Native athletes deserve to be seen as whole people, not headlines or slogans. This film gives Henry Boucha that space.

The middle of the film dives into his NHL career. After returning from the Olympics, he joined the Red Wings and made an immediate impact. He had speed, power, and a playing style that made him hard to ignore. He later played for the North Stars in his home state of Minnesota. But then came the injury. It was a stick to the eye during a game—a dirty play that left permanent damage. That moment didn’t just take away his vision—it took away the game he loved. And it came at a time when Native players had few advocates and almost no support.

After that, his life went off track for a while. The film doesn’t skip over that chapter, either. He talks about falling into substance abuse, about losing his sense of direction. It’s tough to watch at times, but it never feels like trauma for the sake of drama. It’s just the truth. And that honesty gives weight to what comes next.

The final part of the film is what stayed with me the most. It’s about how Henry found his way back—not to the NHL, but to himself. He returned to his Ojibwe roots. He started working in his community. He became a mentor, a voice, and a builder of programs for Native youth. He helped other Native players believe they had a place in the game. His story didn’t end with the injury. In some ways, that’s where the most important part began.

The storytelling is backed by strong visuals and a haunting, beautiful soundtrack by Keith Secola. Old footage, newspaper headlines, family photos, and interview clips are all woven together with care. Nothing feels rushed or overproduced. It’s simple and direct, just like Henry.

And while the film is centered on hockey, it’s not really about the sport. It’s about identity, purpose, and legacy. If you’re Native, this film is going to feel familiar in a lot of ways. The way Henry talks about trying to live between two worlds—one on the ice, one in the community—is something I think a lot of us understand. If you’re not Native, the film is still worth watching. It offers a look into the journey of someone who carried far more than just a hockey stick. He carried expectations, stereotypes, pride, and pain—all while trying to make a mark in a sport that wasn’t built for people like him.

I also think it’s important to say—this film isn’t just a tribute to the past. It’s a reminder of what’s still possible. Native athletes today owe something to NDN All-Star #20 Henry Boucha, whether they realize it or not. He helped carve out space for the rest of us, and he did it without asking for much in return. Just a chance to be seen. A chance to matter.

The Electric Indian is streaming now on PBS.org and through the PBS app. If you care about Native athletes, or even just powerful stories told the right way, go watch it. You’ll learn something. You’ll feel something. And maybe you’ll walk away with a deeper respect for one of hockey’s most important voices.

 

Bill Black, founder of NDN All-Stars with his father, Bill Black, Sr. (Quah-Lee-Lah).
Bill Black(l), founder of NDN All-Stars with his father, Bill Black, Sr.

Bill Black is the creator and “General Manager of NDN All-Stars, celebrating great Native American athletes past and present.  He is a first generation descendant of the Okanogan Band of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, and resides in Omak, WA.

#NDNAllstars #HenryBoucha #Ojibwe #hockey #NHL #RedWings #NorthStars #TheElectricIndian #PBS

If you enjoy the content here and would like to help support our mission of celebrating great Native athletes of the past and present, please take a look at our NDN All-Stars Shop. Proceeds from every purchase help us continue to retell these stories. Also, if you would like to donate to this effort, please visit our Patreon page.

Thank you for your support!

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Chippewa Hockey NDN All-Star Info NDN All-Stars Firsts

NDN All-Star #61 – Clarence “Taffy” Abel (Chippewa) – Hockey’s First Indian!

NDN All-Stars "FIRSTS" Taffy Abel Header

NDN All-Star #61 Clarence “Taffy” Abel (Chippewa)was a powerful force in early hockey and the first Native American to play in the National Hockey League (NHL). Born in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, in 1900, Abel grew up surrounded by hockey and quickly made the sport a big part of his life. With his size and strength—standing over six feet tall and weighing more than 200 pounds—Abel played a style that helped him stand out. He became known for his aggressive but skilled way of defending, which led to exciting opportunities to play on bigger stages.

One of Abel’s first major achievements was joining the U.S. Olympic hockey team in 1924. This team competed in the very first Winter Olympics in Chamonix, France. Abel’s strength and skill on defense helped the U.S. team win the silver medal, bringing attention to both American hockey and Abel himself. Not only was Abel the first Native American to participate in the Winter Olympics, but he was also selected by his teammates to be the US flag bearer – another Native American first! After this, professional hockey teams in the NHL took notice.

Abel’s big break into the NHL came when he signed with the New York Rangers in 1926. His impact on the ice was immediate. Abel’s powerful playing style fit perfectly with the Rangers’ defense, making him a favorite among fans. As the first Native American to play in the NHL, Abel also created a lasting legacy beyond his skill. This made his career even more meaningful, showing young athletes from different backgrounds that they, too, could compete at the highest levels of hockey.

Abel’s time with the Rangers was filled with success. One of the highlights was the 1928 season when the Rangers won their first Stanley Cup. Abel was a big part of this victory, playing defense with a mix of strength and skill that made it difficult for opponents to score. After his time with the Rangers, he moved to the Chicago Blackhawks in 1929. He continued to be an important player for Chicago, helping to strengthen their defense. In 1934, Abel and the Blackhawks won the Stanley Cup again, adding to his career’s list of achievements.

Throughout his career, Abel was known for his determination and reliability. He played tough and consistently, and his defensive style became a model for future players. Abel showed that a defenseman could be both physically tough and skilled, setting an example for how the position could be played. This influence on the game made Abel a trailblazer, and his success opened up new paths for future players.

After retiring from hockey in 1934, Abel returned to his hometown of Sault Ste. Marie. He stayed active in the hockey community, passing on his knowledge of the game. His legacy continued as more Native American players followed in his footsteps, with Abel’s story showing how much could be achieved through skill and dedication.

Clarence “Taffy” Abel passed away in 1964, but his contributions to hockey are still remembered. He was honored posthumously by being inducted into the United States Hockey Hall of Fame in 1973. His story lives on as a reminder of what’s possible in hockey and serves as an example for young athletes who dream of making it to the NHL.

NDN All-Star #61 Taffy Abel’s place in hockey history is unforgettable. As both a pioneering Native American player and a dedicated athlete, he’s remembered for his love of the game and his many accomplishments on the ice. His story continues to inspire players today, and his legacy shines brightly for future generations who share his passion for hockey.

 

Bill Black, founder of NDN All-Stars with his father, Bill Black, Sr. (Quah-Lee-Lah).
Bill Black(l), founder of NDN All-Stars with his father, Bill Black, Sr.

Bill Black is the creator and “General Manager of NDN All-Stars, celebrating great Native American athletes past and present.  He is a first generation descendant of the Okanogan Band of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, and resides in Omak, WA.

#NDNAllstars #TaffyAbel #Chippewa #NHL #hockey #NYRangers #ChicagoBlackhawks #FIRSTS

If you enjoy the content here and would like to help support our mission of celebrating great Native athletes of the past and present, please take a look at our NDN All-Stars Shop. Proceeds from every purchase help us continue to retell these stories. Also, if you would like to donate to this effort, please visit our Patreon page.

Thank you for your support!

 

 

 

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Chippewa Hockey Video Archeology

Video Archeology – “Michigan Mountain” – NDN All-Star #61 Taffy Abel (Chippewa)

NDN All-Stars "Video Archeology" Movie Of The Week graphic

“Michigan Mountain” – NDN All-Star #61 Taffy Abel (Chippewa)

I just came across this great documentary on YouTube called “Michigan Mountain – The Taffy Abel Story – Pt 1”, and I think you’d really enjoy it. It’s about NDN All-Star #61 Taffy Abel (Chippewa), the first Native American athlete to play in the National Hockey League.

Taffy Abel grew up in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, and he was a giant on the ice – like, literally huge for his time, standing at 6’1″ and over 200 pounds. (That’s actually how he got the nickname “Michigan Mountain.”) But what really stood out to me was how graceful and skilled he was despite his size. The documentary goes into his early life and how he became a key player for the U.S. Olympic hockey team in 1924, becoming the first Native American to compete in the Winter Olympics, where they won a silver medal. He was also the first Native American to play in the NHL, which is a huge deal. He played for iconic teams like the New York Rangers and Chicago Blackhawks, and made a huge impact on the ice.

One thing I really like about this video is how it dives into the historical importance of Abel’s career. Being a member of the Chippewa tribe, he broke many barriers at a time when Native Americans weren’t really recognized in mainstream sports.

The documentary isn’t just about his hockey career, though. After he retired, he went back to his hometown and became a successful businessman, which I thought was a great thing to highlight. He didn’t just fade away after his career; he kept contributing to his community. There’s a humility to his story that I found really touching.

I’ll admit, the production quality isn’t the fanciest. It’s a mix of archival footage and interviews with hockey historians, his family, and experts on Native athletes, so it’s more informative than flashy. But honestly, that didn’t matter to me because the story itself is so strong. The film really makes you appreciate how much Taffy Abel accomplished in a time when the odds were stacked against him.

If you’re into hockey history or stories about athletes overcoming big barriers, I’d really recommend checking this out. NDN All-Star #61 Taffy Abel’s story deserves way more recognition than it gets, and this documentary does a great job of honoring his legacy. I think you’d enjoy it just as I did!

(P.S. – I hope Part 2 comes out soon!)

 

 

Bill Black, founder of NDN All-Stars with his father, Bill Black, Sr. (Quah-Lee-Lah).
Bill Black(l), founder of NDN All-Stars with his father, Bill Black, Sr.

Bill Black is the creator and “General Manager of NDN All-Stars, celebrating great Native American athletes past and present.  He is a first generation descendant of the Okanogan Band of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, and resides in Omak, WA.

#NDNAllstars #Chippewa #Hockey #TaffyAbel #Olympics #VideoArcheology #NHL

If you enjoy the content here and would like to help support our mission of celebrating great Native athletes of the past and present, please take a look at our NDN All-Stars Shop. Proceeds from every purchase help us continue to retell these stories. Also, if you would like to donate to this effort, please visit our Patreon page.

Thank you for your support!

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Hockey Mi'kmaw Video Archeology

Native Americans invented hockey? “The Game of Hockey: A Mi’kmaw Story”

NDN All-Stars "Video Archeology" Movie Of The Week graphic

Did Naive Americans invent Hockey?

I just watched this really cool documentary – “The Game of Hockey: A Mi’kmaw Story”, and I found it to be really fascinating and informative. It’s about the Mi’kmaw people from Eastern Canada and how they played a huge role in the history of hockey.. The film talks about how they used to play this game called oochamkunutk on frozen rivers and lakes, and it’s actually a lot like modern hockey. It’s really eye-opening because we usually hear that hockey came from Europe, but this shows how the Mi’kmaw people influenced it way before that. Fascinating, right?

One of the things I didn’t know about is how the Mi’kmaw used to hand-carve hockey sticks from trees like birch and hornbeam. These sticks were some of the best you could get back in the day, and a lot of early hockey players used them. When you watch this documentary, notice how closely the old hand crafted stick of the Mi’kmaw, made by had for ages, are to the current NHL stickers in shape and size. It’s amazing to think about how much of an impact the Mi’kmaw had on the game, both as players and craftsmen. The film does a great job of highlighting that.

There are some really touching interviews with Mi’kmaw elders who talk about what hockey means to their community. You can tell that it’s not just a sport to them—it’s tied to their identity and their history. The way they talk about playing the game and making the sticks is so full of pride. And it’s not just about the past either; they show younger Mi’kmaw players who are still playing hockey today, keeping the tradition alive.

I think what makes this documentary so powerful is that it forces you to rethink what you know about the history of hockey. We’ve always been told this one story about the sport’s origins, but this film shows that there’s so much more to it. It’s not just a European thing—Indigenous people, like the Mi’kmaw, played a major role in shaping the game. And the documentary does a great job of balancing that historical info with personal stories, so it never feels like a history lesson. It’s just a really well-made, engaging film that makes you appreciate hockey in a whole new way.

Honestly, if you’re into hockey or just curious about Indigenous/Native American history, this is a must-watch. You’ll come away with a much deeper appreciation for both the sport and the cultural traditions behind it. Plus, it’s just really cool to see how this story is still ongoing, with the younger generation carrying on the Mi’kmaw legacy in hockey today. You should definitely check it out!

Leave a comment and tell us what you think about this documentary. Do you think now that the Mi’kmaw were the original inventors of ice hockey? Tell us why or why not?

 

 

Bill Black, founder of NDN All-Stars with his father, Bill Black, Sr. (Quah-Lee-Lah).
Bill Black(l), founder of NDN All-Stars with his father, Bill Black, Sr.

Bill Black is the creator and “General Manager of NDN All-Stars, celebrating great Native American athletes past and present.  He is a first generation descendant of the Okanogan Band of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, and resides in Omak, WA.

#NDNAllstars #Mi’kmaw #Hockey #NativeAmerican #origins #history #NHL

If you enjoy the content here and would like to help support our mission of celebrating great Native athletes of the past and present, please take a look at our NDN All-Stars Shop. Proceeds from every purchase help us continue to retell these stories. Also, if you would like to donate to this effort, please visit our Patreon page.

Thank you for your support!

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Basketball Golf Hockey NDN All-Star Info NDN All-Star Profile Track & Field

NDN All-Stars In The Olympics

NDN All-Stars Olympics Post Logo

As the world comes together for the 2024 Olympics opening ceremonies, I would like to remind you of some of the amazing Native American athletes who have participated in past Olympic Games. These athletes showed incredible skill and talent and are great examples to Native athletes everywhere.

Let’s take a moment to celebrate their journeys and be inspired by their amazing accomplishments. These athletes remind us that with dreams and determination, anything is possible.

Here are some of the great NDN All-Stars who have participated in the Summer Olympics:

Basketball

Jesse “Cab” Renick (Chickasaw/Choctaw) – Won gold with the U.S. basketball team at the 1948 London Olympics.

Kyrie Irving (Standing Rock Sioux) – Competed in the 2016 Olympics, winning a gold medal with the U.S. basketball team..

Canoe/Kayak

Alwyn Morris (Mohawk) – Competed in the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, winning gold in the K-2 1000m and bronze in the K-2 500m; also competed in the 1988 Seoul Olympics..

Golf

Rickie Fowler (Navajo) – Competed in the 2016 Rio Olympics.

Hockey

Clarence “Taffy” Abel (Ojibwe) – Won Silver in the 1924 Winter Olympics. Was the U.S. Flag bearer.

Judo

Ben Nighthorse Campbell (Northern Cheyenne) – Competed in judo at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics and served as the captain of the U.S. judo team.

Track and Field

Frank Pierce (Seneca) – Competed in the marathon at the 1904 St. Louis Olympics.

Tom Longboat (Onondaga) – Competed in the marathon at the 1908 London Olympics.

Jim Thorpe (Sac & Fox) – Won gold medals in the pentathlon and decathlon at the 1912 Stockholm Olympics.

Andrew Sockalexis (Penobscot) – Competed in the marathon at the 1912 Stockholm Olympics.

Louis Tewanima (Hopi) – Won a silver medal in the 10,000 meters at the 1912 Stockholm Olympics.

Alex Decoteau (Cree) – Competed in the 5,000 meters at the 1912 Stockholm Olympics.

Benjamin “Joe” Keeper (Cree) – Competed in the 10,000 meters at the 1912 Stockholm Olympics, finishing fourth.

Ellison “Tarzan” Brown (Narragansett) – Competed in the marathon at the 1936 Berlin Olympics.

Wilson “Buster” Charles” (Oneida) – Competed in the decathlon in the 1936 Olympics in Berlin, finishing 4th.

Billy Mills (Oglala Lakota) – Won gold in the 10,000 meters at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics.

Sharon Day-Monroe (Mohawk) – Competed in track and field events at the 2012 and 2016 Olympics.

Lolo Jones (Choctaw) – Competed in hurdles at the 2008 and 2012 Summer Olympics..

Volleyball

Jordan Larson (Ho-Chunk) – Accomplished volleyball player with multiple Olympic medals in 2012, 2016, and 2020.

Wrestling

Dan Henderson (Walla Walla) – Competed in Greco-Roman wrestling at the 1992 and 1996 Summer Olympics.

Jacob Deitchler (Ojibwe) – Competed in the 2008 Beijing Olympics in Greco-Roman wrestling.

I am sure that there are more, and I am digging around to see who else I can add to this impressive list.  If you know of someone I have omitted, please leave me a comment below so I can add them!

Now, let’s cheer on the current participants as we enjoy the spirit of unity and excellence that the Olympic Games bring.

#NDNAllstars #Olympics #track&field #wrestling #judo #running #pentathlon #decathlon

 

If you enjoy the content here and would like to help support our mission of celebrating great Native athletes of the past and present, please take a look at our NDN All-Stars Shop. Proceeds from every purchase help us continue to retell these stories. Also, if you would like to donate to this effort, please visit our Patreon page.

Thank you for your support!