One Chief's Peace Pipe another's War Club

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1897 The first Native American professional football player was George Shelafo.  All records identify him as Chippewa, none give his band or home state or province.

Frank Gus Welch, Lac Courte Orielles band from Spooner Wisconsin.  He was captain & quarterback for the famous Carisle football team.   He was Jim Thorpe's roommate and best man at his wedding.  Inducted into the NCAA Football Hall of F

Charles Bender, White Earth Reservation in Crow Wing County, Minnesota.  Baseballl Hall of Fame plaque.

                    wikicommons

Eli Ankou, Dokis First Nation, defensive tackle Buffalo Bills.  Has played for 7 teams.

 Photo courtesy: Buffalo Bills 

In hockey the Red Lake Nation is associated with three skaters:

GARY SARGENT  World Cup Silver Medal

HENRY BOUCHA  Olymmpic Silver Medal, NHL Hall of Fame

T.J. OSHI  3 Stanley Cups

                  ©Henry Boucha

GEORGE ARMSTRONG  Nipissing  4 STANLEY CUPS

JAMIE LEACH Berens River 1st Nation, STANLEY CUP

REGGIE LEACH Berens River 1st Nation, STANLEY CUP

BRANDON NOLAN Garden River 1st Nation 

JORDAN NOLAN 

Garden River First Nation has Jordan Nolan a three time Stanley Cup winner and Dwight King (Metis) of the Los Angeles Kings.  

                  ©Indigenious Hockey

Clarance John "Taffy" Abel, Sault Ste. Marie band, Silver Medal 1924.  Flag bearer for team USA.  Hockey Hall of Fame.                   wikicommons