SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — The National Football League has allowed the flag of a South Dakota Tribe to be displayed on one player’s helmet.
Tucker Kraft, Green Bay Packers tight end, made the announcement on Friday on his social media saying “The NFL made it official today. Honored to represent!” with a photo of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe flag on his helmet.
Kraft is a native of Timber Lake, S.D. the town is located on the northern edge of the Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation. The Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe is located in north central South Dakota. Kraft was later inducted as an Honorary Member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe.
Chairman of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, Ryman LeBeau said how important it is for the tribe to have Tucker wearing the flag.
“It’s an honor for one of our relatives to represent our Tribe on a national level. We realize that this is likely the first time a tribal flag is worn in an NFL game. We are proud of Tucker and all his achievements,” LeBeau said in an email to KELOLAND News. “It gives hope for our youth that professional or national levels are achievable whether you’re from a reservation or not. It brings much pride and honor to all the people whether you are a Packers fan or not, he is representative of our community and is an inspiration for all.”
After growing up around the Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation for most of his life, Kraft would be inducted into the tribe as an honorary member on April 3, 2024.
LeBeau spoke on the importance of being a honorary member of the tribe and what that means.
“It means you done good in life, in your community. To deserve to become an honorary member of our tribe. Basically, you’re now one of us. In our Lakota culture it’s customary to make relatives to those you want to honor.”
According to the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe’s website. The CRST tribal flag includes four Lakota bands of the Minnicoujou, Itazipco, Siha Sapa, and Oohenumpa.
The flag displays thunderclouds, a rainbow, eagle feathers, two pipes, two medicine wheels, and all of the colors of the Lakota people. The colors of the flag also represent different aspects of the tribes culture, red, yellow, black, and white representing the four major races, the color blue representing heaven, and the color green representing Mother Earth.
