Boston Celtics point guard Kyrie Irving was in Cannon Ball, N.D. on Thursday. According to a report from Tim Bontemps of The Washington Post, Kyrie and his sister, Asia, were there with the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe to take part in a traditional naming ceremony.

Irving, who opened up about his Sioux heritage in a 2017 interview with ESPN's Rachel Nichols, was named “Little Mountain.” His sister was named “Buffalo Woman.” A great honor for the Celtics guard.

Via AJ Neuharth-Keusch of USA TODAY:

Irving's late mother, Elizabeth Ann Larson, was adopted out of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe's White Mountain family when she was young, and his grandmother, great-grandmother and great-grandfather were also members of the tribe, according to a news release from the tribe.

Many Native Americans view naming ceremonies as a sacred religious event. Though the specific rituals and practices vary from tribe to tribe, many elements remain the same. In some cases, the person receiving a name will make the request to a tribe elder, then offer gifts of herbs or tobacco. The elder will then take a period of time to contemplate an appropriate name — if one is to be given.

Standing Rock Tribe chairman Mike Faith says he is proud of Irving for remembering his roots.

RECOMMENDED (Article Continues Below)
Heat’s Bam Adebayo and Jimmy Butler (Butler in casual clothes) smiling, with Celtics’ Jayson Tatum looking serious; caption below: BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU WISH FOR”

Jedd Pagaduan ·

cG9zdDoyODA3Mjc1-thumbnail

Joey Mistretta ·

image idea: Celtics' Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown next to Sam Hauser and Payton Pritchard with report cards around them (could be in a classroom background). they're all looking happy/hyped

Daniel Donabedian ·

“We could not be more excited, he has made us all very proud,” Faith said in a statement. “To know that he has not forgotten his roots and is taking the time before he starts his basketball season to visit the people, his people, shows that Kyrie has great character and pride in his heritage.”

Join us in congratulating Irving and Asia for their prestigious recognition.