LAS VEGAS (UNLVRebels.com) - The UNLV women's basketball season just got underway earlier this week against Northern Arizona, and taking the court for the Scarlet & Gray for the first time during the 2020-21 campaign was sophomore
Jacinta Buckley. The Lady Rebel hails from Spokane, Washington, and is a member of the Spokane Tribe.
We caught up with the Buckley to discuss her Native American ancestry and being a member of the Spokane Tribe, as November is recognized as Native American Heritage Month and, more specifically, Nov. 27 is Native American Heritage Day.
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UNLVRebels.com: Can you tell us about your family history; where your ancestors and elders are from?
Jacinta: They're from Spokane. They lived in small villages made up of bands, which were grouped into three divisions along the Spokane River. The Spokane River has been and continues to be the central location for the Spokane Tribe. My family's band is from Lower Spokane. In 1951, the Spokane Tribe officially became one of 574 recognized tribal governments within the United States.
The Spokane Tribe of Indians primary government operations are located in Wellpinit, Washington, with a citizen population of approximately 2,900 enrolled members. Located on over 100,000 acres of land approximately 50 miles northwest of the city of Spokane.
My parents are Pat and Yvette Buckley, I am Irish, Black and Native American. My grandmother on my mother's side is Stella Boyd, my great grandfather is Roy Boyd and my great-great-grandfather is Sam Boyd. Chief Boyd was the last recognized Chief for the Spokane Tribe.
My grandmother Stella was removed from her father's homestead and was forced to live with the nuns in boarding school. She was not allowed to speak Salish and had to cut her hair and wear a boarding school uniform. She was only six years old when they stole her away. She left the boarding school and settled in Spokane, she never returned to the reservation. She attended Mary Walker School and graduated from vocational training and became a cashier at Safeway. She met and married my grandfather AJ Reeves.
UNLV: What role does your Native American heritage play in your life?
J: My heritage connects me to my culture, defines who I am, tells the story of my past, guides me to my present. It helps me embrace the future. My heritage gives me power and strength. For me, that's getting the opportunity to listen to our elders speak of our ancestors. My people they were doctors, scientists, engineers, warriors. Respected Mother Earth. That's fry bread. That's dried deer meat. The sound of drums during war dances and stick game.
UNLV: What sport(s) did you play growing up? When did you gravitate towards basketball?
J: Growing up, I tried a couple different sports like softball, volleyball; I even did badminton for a little bit, but I didn't get to pursue that even though it was my favorite. It was during the same season as basketball and by fourth grade, I knew basketball was my game. It was the one I had the most fun playing. I think you can be more creative in basketball than other sports I have tried. I really like that team and sport competitiveness that basketball brings.
UNLV: Who were your role models growing up? How did they play a part in where you are today?
J: My mother. Spokane isn't as diverse as it would like to think it is. Her parents didn't drive her to every practice and game, they had to work. She had to sneak into local colleges and the Y to get time on a court. Nothing was ever given, it was earned through hard work. She would drive thousands of miles every summer to get me to tournaments, arrive home late at night and get up the next morning to go to work. She pushed me to be my best, work hard and have fun. She still doesn't like the smile as I play though.
UNLV: What does it mean to be a Native American at UNLV and being a member of the women's basketball team?
J: Being a Native American and also a part of the Lady Rebels means a lot to me. It's so important, and I think it's such a blessing and privilege to be able to be a role model for the next generation of my people. I remember watching the (Shoni and Jude) Schimmel sisters when I was growing up play at Louisville and being inspired like ready to chase my dreams. Like, they can do it I can do it. I'm just so happy that I get the opportunity to be there for the next artist, hooper, soccer player.
UNLV: Did you face any hardships growing up either on or off the court or in the classroom due to your Native American heritage?
J: Growing up my classes were never really diverse. Whenever we'd go over United States history I always got comments like: "Where's your horse?", "Do you live in a teepee?" I was also called "Redskin" in a taunting manner.
UNLV: What advice would you give to individuals who feel like they don't fit in?
J: Feeling like you don't fit in can be a little tricky. Whenever I find myself in an uncomfortable situation I always crack a smile and spread a little kindness. An example would be complimenting someone's shirt. Another thing to think about when wanting to fit in is don't change yourself. Wait until you find those people that can enjoy what you enjoy and can appreciate your uniqueness.
