Examining the Sociocultural Experiences of Cherokee Nation Citizens in Athletic Competition and Sport

This qualitative study sought to better understand an underrepresented ethnic culture and produced the following research question: what are the sociocultural experiences of Cherokee citizens surrounding athletic competition and sport? Following a qualitative design,15 participants were interviewed about their personal experiences in athletic competition and sport while growing up in rural Oklahoma. Interviews were open-ended and followed a semi-structured script of questions with additional probes. The data revealed six axial codes (reputation, influences, culture, community, psychosocial development, and family). Qualitative analyses revealed that participants have lived in an environment that is conducive for athletic growth, cultural awareness, and social exploration. The individuals in this study experienced an unwavering passion for athletic competition and sport. Cherokee individuals start forming their social identity from an early age, around ages 6 to 10, through these athletic pursuits. They are raised in and continue to live in an environment that fosters opportunities that allow for social, cultural, and athletic growth. Family, schools, and community provide a stable foundation for pursuing athletic competition and sport. Examination of the lived experiences of Native Americans provides a fertile ground for future research efforts in sport and physical activity. 

Keywords: Native Americans, physical activity, qualitative, culture.