Wow! Thanks to all who contributed to this thread. I enjoyed reading the responses and learning about some great Native American and Indian Country pool players. The links to the casinos that host tournaments are very much appreciated!
In my eyes, pool's culture today is conflicted with so many STRONG opinions about what it should look like. The pool purists have strong views on what they believe pool should look like, and then there are others who want pool to have more of an entertainment value a la Minnesota Fats. Because of the variety of pocket billiard games, each one has its own subculture within the culture of pool, much like the variety of Tribes.
Congratulations to the Seminole Tribe of Florida as they are celebrating their 50th anniversary of the signing of its corporate charter and constitution. Under the shade of a historic oak tree, also known as the Council Oak, the tree is one of the most important living historic landmarks of the Seminole Tribe of Florida.
Many during the 1950s thought that the Seminole Tribe could not organize because they were small in number and did not have the resources. However, like many Tribes, the Seminoles stepped up to the plate and prevailed in defense of their status as a sovereign nation, a status that they maintained long before the United States existed.
Max Osceola, a Seminole Tribal councilman, said the constitution was a tribal wakeup call for sovereignty and establishing economic independence. ''We now had to make it as a people, on our own terms, and provide for ourselves and future generations,'' said Osceola.
Pool as a sport is desparately not only trying to survive, but many of us pool enthusiasts hope it can elevate in status on the sports ladder in the areas of the world where it pales in comparison to other sports -- MLB, NFL, NBA, PGA, and tennis here in the States, as an example.
Corporate sponsors have come and gone in pool, but Native American and Indian Country Nations are continuing to make a great contribution to our sport; thus, one reason I initiated this thread. I want to pay tribute and give recognition to these great sponsors. I cannot imagine what pool would look like in my corner of the world without them.
JAM
). There are lots more ... around here it is wise to take any First Nations player seriously or you might find yourself watching a lot of pool.
