More Than a Name: The Importance of Cultural Names and Identity in Professional Sport

Abstract

Indigenous athletes have long been subject to racism throughout sporting systems. Such examples include being racially abused by opposition athletes and fans. For Indigenous peoples, their names carry their identity and history of generations; connecting them to their ancestors. Sadly, in some instances their esteemed names and identities have been bastardised intentionally. One incident includes an influential sport commentator making fun of an Indigenous name on air. Her inability to pronounce Indigenous names and their defensive mechanism of making fun of them, has added to the ongoing mistreatment of Indigenous athletes in sport. Another incident involving a highly regarded, sport coach, echoed racist behaviour by renaming an Indigenous athlete in his new team; because he did not want to learn how to pronounce his name, a name given to the athlete by his parents and gifted by his tūpuna (ancestors). These high profile examples demonstrate an ignorance to properly acknowledge the demographic who make up almost half of the playing contracts in this sport. This article will draw from the research of two Indigenous sport academics to address the importance of Indigenous identity for athletes as well as pushing-back against racism in professional sport. We advocate for the inclusion of our ancestral wisdom and the honouring of our names be etched in the fabric of professional sport.