SAN ANTONIO – In a heartwarming display of community engagement, Spurs forward Lindy Waters III took the initiative to connect with local youth in San Antonio on Sunday, emphasizing the empowering message: “Sacred Like Me.” This event was not merely a basketball camp; it was a celebration of Indigenous culture and an effort to honor the rich heritage of Indigenous communities in South Texas and beyond.
Waters, a proud citizen of the Kiowa Nation and a descendant of Cherokees, expressed the camp’s purpose succinctly. “The goal is to spread awareness to Indigenous peoples,” he stated. “It’s about bringing our culture together and allowing the youth to see somebody at this platform in their shoes.” His words resonate deeply, as he embodies the potential for representation and visibility for Indigenous individuals in sports.
With only three active NBA players identifying as Indigenous, Waters highlights a significant issue: the lack of visibility for Indigenous peoples in professional sports. “Only being one of three Natives in the NBA just shows the lack of visibility of our people,” he remarked. Waters’ commitment to this cause is evident, as he aims to instill a sense of pride among young Indigenous athletes, reminding them that they are “sacred, just like I am.”
The basketball camp was made possible through a collaboration with the nonprofit organization American Indians in Texas at the Spanish Colonial Missions (AIT-SCM) and Nike N7. This fund is dedicated to providing sports and physical activity programming to kids in Native American and Aboriginal communities, ensuring that they have access to opportunities that promote health, wellness, and cultural pride.
Looking ahead, Waters and his foundation are committed to continuing this vital work. He expressed plans to host more events similar to Sunday’s camp, aiming to further uplift Indigenous youth and foster a sense of community. “We want to make this a regular occurrence,” he affirmed, illustrating his dedication to the cause and the youth he inspires.
