Kyrie Irving was in Cannon Ball, North Dakota today as part of a naming ceremony by the Standing Rock Sioux tribe, per ESPN. Irving has ties to the tribe as his mom Elizabeth Larson was a descendant. The event took place at Prairie Knights Pavilion.
Tribe elder Vernon Iron Horse gifted Irving with a traditional uniform that included a shirt and ribbons. Iron Horse prayed for him as he stood over buffalo skin. Soon after drums were played, Irving had a blanket placed over him, eagle feather in his hair, and a medallion on his head. Irving was given the name “Little Mountain.” Irving’s sister Asia was also honored as she was given the name “Buffalo Woman.”
“Our journeys have been directed in so many different ways, but yet we are still standing here embracing each other as if we haven’t lost any time,” said Irving. “It’s really special for me to be here because I lost my mom at a very young age, and I had no idea about the history and how inclusive this group is and what it means to part of the Sioux tribe.”
Irving has always showed love and support for the tribe. He displayed his social activism as he went against the Dakota Access Pipeline a few years ago and has the tribe’s logo as a tattoo on the back of his neck. A pair of his own Nike shoes also feature the tribe’s logo.
As the ceremony concluded, Irving signed autographs. He then told the tribe that he’s with them forvever. Flip the page for Irving speaking at the ceremony and thanking the Standing Rock Sioux tribe.