Last Thursday, Boston Celtics guard Kyrie Irving, along with his sister, Asia, made showed up in a ceremony by the Standing Rock Sioux tribe to get their traditional Native American Lakota names. Irving was granted the name “Hela,” while his sister was given the name “Tatanka Winyan,” therefore completing their recognition of the tribe that Irving’s late mother had ties with.
Irving was given the stage to himself afterward, and the Celtics shifty guard handled the mic perhaps better than he is with the ball, as he was excellent in conveying the honor he felt upon the tribe’s acceptance of him and his sister.
I’m appreciative to be here amongst all of my family at this point. There was a certain point in my life where I had come almost at a crossroads with my dad, my sister, my friends, my grandparents and I had no idea of kind of what direction to go into because I had lost a sense of foundation that I know I had lost a long time ago. Knowing that my mom passed left me with such a powerful and empowering family such as Standing Rock as well as all the united Sioux nation. To be a part of it now, and not just outside support, but knowing that this is family for life.”
Irving’s mother’ Elizabeth Ann Larson, was part of the tribe and spent time on the reservation. The Irving’s grandparents and great-grandparents also have a bond with the tribe.
Irving’s basketball nickname is “Uncle Drew,” but here’s to hoping that Hela (pronounced HAY’-law) will catch up soon in terms of popularity.
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