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Cited by 0Physical Education and Sports StudiesSports, Gender, and SocietyIndigenous Health, Education, and Rights

“It’s Not Just About Competition – It’s Ceremony”: Introducing the Embedded Indigeneity Framework for Understanding Identity, Mission, and Practice in TCU and NASNTI Athletics

Open access
Foster, Sayvon, Welch, Natalie·2026·Journal of Intercollegiate Sport
DOI 10.17161/jis.v19i3.24806
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Abstract

This study introduces the Embedded Indigeneity Framework to examine how Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs) and Native American-Serving Nontribal Institutions (NASNTIs) integrate Indigenous identity into athletics operations. Sport management scholarship often centers Power Five institutions and market logics, marginalizing Special Mission Institutions and their cultural foundations. As a result, institutionally specific nuances are often not considered when exploring the experiences and approaches of practitioners within these spaces. Using an inductive thematic analysis approach (Naeem et al., 2023), this study analyzes practitioner narratives to develop a framework grounded in five interconnected themes: Cultural Representation and Recognition, Structural Support and Educational Opportunity, Educational Opportunity and Structural Support, Personal and Historical Identity Integration, and Navigating Organizational Tensions. Guided by decolonial and social justice lenses, the framework highlights how indigeneity is not merely acknowledged but embedded across organizational life. By illuminating the relationship between identity, mission, and practice, this study expands the boundaries of sport organization scholarship and affirms the value of culturally grounded and justice-oriented approaches to intercollegiate athletics.

AI snapshot

Written from the paper’s full text.

TL;DR

This study introduces the Embedded Indigeneity Framework (EIF) to explain how Indigenous identity is integrated into athletics operations at Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs) and Native American-Serving Nontribal Institutions (NASNTIs). Based on practitioner narratives, it argues that indigeneity operates as a central organizational logic rather than a symbolic add-on, shaping identity, mission, and practice.

Key findings

  • The EIF is grounded in five interconnected themes: Cultural Representation and Recognition, Community Connection and Engagement, Educational Opportunity and Structural Support, Personal and Historical Identity Integration, and Navigating Organizational Tensions.
  • Contrary to the researchers’ expectation of a macro-to-micro trickle-down process, participants described a bottom-up or agent-to-organization process: TCU/NASNTI status directly shaped personnel, who then embedded that understanding across athletics units and operations.
  • Athletics at these institutions was described as intertwined with the educational mission rather than separate or hybridized; examples include Fort Lewis College’s Native American Tuition Waiver allowing “any tribal member to come to school at zero cost,” and a UNC Pembroke participant stating “you cannot separate our school from the Lumbee tribe.”
  • Tensions included anti-DEI legislation and normative Christianity limiting Indigenous spirituality in programming; these were noted across two institutions.

Methods

  • Qualitative inductive thematic analysis following Naeem et al.’s (2023) six-step process, guided by decolonial and social justice lenses and a critical constructivist framework.
  • Anonymous Qualtrics survey sent to athletics staff at all classified TCUs and NASNTIs via the Rutgers Center for Minority Serving Institutions MSI Directory; 516 emails were delivered, with 112 undeliverable, 85 no longer working or requesting removal, and 8 removed for incompleteness.
  • The study yielded 14 participants across eight TCU/NASNTI athletics departments, a 2.7% response rate (4.5% when considering the aforementioned elements); participants included athletics directors, faculty athletics representatives, coaches, staff, and academic support personnel across NCAA Division I, II, III, and NAIA institutions.

Limitations

  • The paper states the primary limitation is the small population of TCUs and NASNTIs, which contributed to a smaller participant pool; it recommends future methods yielding larger participant pools.
  • The paper states that athlete and student experiences are needed to expand knowledge, and that the EIF would benefit from tests and replications, including college athlete perspectives.
  • Evident from the text: the low response rate and self-selection may limit representativeness, and the organizational tensions theme was present across only two institutions.

Model-written summary. Check it against the paper before relying on it.

Integrity signals

Registry

Crossref · 10.17161/jis.v19i3.24806

Cites

52 of 52 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

Statistics

Nothing to recompute.

Claims the paper makes

6 of 37 cited sources checked · 2 supported · 0 flagged · accuracy not yet measured

  • Premisecitation
    § "It's Not Just About Competition -It's Ceremony": Introducing the Embedded Indigeneity Framework for Understanding Identity, Mission, and Practice in TCU and NASNTI Athletics

    Most sport research that includes Native American or Indigenous Peoples debates their presence as mascots or team names, often reducing Native Peoples to symbols and not dynamic communities.

    “Most of the sport research that includes Native American or Indigenous Peoples debates their presence as mascots or team names, often reducing Native Peoples to symbols and not dynamic communities (Hofman, 2005;McLean et al., 2017;Tsosie, 2016).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 3 sources checked
    • cites Hofman, 2005

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites McLean et al., 2017 source

      The Introduction says mascots collapse diverse Indigenous nations into a caricature, and §2 describes Indigenous people being treated as symbols rather than agents of their own lives. The paper discusses research on mascots, but it does not establish that most sport research concerning Native American or Indigenous Peoples focuses on mascots or team names. Its criticism of reduction primarily concerns the mascots, not the research itself; page numbers are unavailable in our copy. (LLM, conf=0.85)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
    • cites Tsosie, 2016

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Findingown data

    There is presence of noteworthy tensions, primarily with the role of dominant (and hegemonic) ideologies impacting the operation of these spaces.

    “An interesting component within the data is the presence of noteworthy tensions, primarily with the role of dominant (and hegemonic) ideologies impacting the operation of these spaces.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Findingown data

    Two of the institutions have straightforward Native American names: the Haskell Indians and the UNC-Pembroke Braves.

    “Two of the institutions have straightforward Native American names, the Haskell Indians and the UNC-Pembroke (UNC-P) Braves.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Findingown data

    Misalignment along racial and ethnic lines did not create a schism or gap.

    “Interestingly, misalignment along racial and ethnic lines did not create a schism or gap.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Findingown data

    One of the more prominent themes that emerged was the connection made between institutions and Indigenous cultures, notably visual and symbolic representations.

    “One of the more prominent themes that emerged in our review was the connection made between institutions and Indigenous cultures -notably the connection made between visual and symbolic representations.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • May combine two claims. 28
  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. 49
  • The quote only partly states this claim. 1

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Division I college sport has time constraints and conformity, where athletes are expected to forgo non-sport elements to maintain uniformity and dedication to the team.

    “This is particularly impactful given the presence of time constraints and conformity within Division I college sport where athletes are expected to forgo non-sport elements to maintain uniformity and dedication to the team (Adams et al.,2024).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Adams et al.,2024 source

      The Introduction (page unavailable) describes a large time commitment in intercollegiate sport, and Results > Coach demonstration of power and control (page unavailable) records a participant being barred from going home or using social media during the season. These passages support time constraints and an example of restrictions on life outside sport, but they do not establish a general Division I expectation that athletes forgo non-sport activities for team uniformity and dedication; the study discusses athletes across competitive divisions. (LLM, conf=0.87)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductcitation

    Self-selection was a key factor in the participant selection process due to the increased likelihood for participants to demonstrate interest, willingness, and expertise.

    “Self-selection was a key factor in the participant selection process due to the increased likelihood for participants to demonstrate (a) a noticeable interest in the topic, (b) willingness to contribute to the goals of the study, and (c) a higher likelihood of expertise/understanding of the topic (Khazaal et al. 2014).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Khazaal et al. 2014 source

      The Discussion (Principal Findings; page not provided) links self-selection among World of Warcraft players to interest in the study and willingness to participate. The Abstract (Conclusions; page not provided) suggests that more proficient players may be more likely to participate. The claim extends these qualified findings to participants generally and treats game proficiency as expertise or understanding of the study topic, which the paper does not establish. (LLM, conf=0.85)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Study design and conductcitation

    The data were analyzed through Naeem et al.'s (2023) six-step thematic analysis process to develop a conceptual framework.

    “The data were analyzed through Naeem et al.'s (2023) six-step thematic analysis process to develop a conceptual framework (Naeem & Ozuem, 2022).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Naeem et al. (2023) source

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

    Interpretationcitation

    The selected methodology was implemented due to the end results that presented a novel conceptual framework and serves as a contextually specific extension of existing theory/theories.

    “The selected methodology was implemented due to the end results that 1) presented a novel conceptual framework and 2) serves as a contextually specific extension of existing theory/theories (Naeem et al., 2023).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Naeem et al., 2023 source

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    While the commercialized nature of college athletics cannot be fully removed, the ethos of these spaces is still grounded within sovereignty, self-determination, and collective uplift.

    “While the commercialized nature of college athletics cannot be fully removed, the ethos of these spaces is still grounded within sovereignty, self-determination, and collective uplift (Belarde-Lewis & Kostelecky, 2021).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Belarde-Lewis & Kostelecky, 2021 source

      The section on tribal sovereignty and self-determination says Zuni libraries, archives, and museums can strengthen sovereignty and help Native communities determine their futures. The Conclusion also describes efforts to strengthen the Zuni community. Neither section addresses college athletics or its commercialization, so the claim extends the paper’s account of information institutions to a different setting. (LLM, conf=0.83)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Participants at Utah State University reported that USU is intentional with programming and culturally sensitive practices, with practice routines considering the unique needs of each tribal population.

    “USU does a great job of being intentional with programing and culturally sensitive practices.For example, the routines/schedules of practices consider the unique needs of each [tribal] population.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Participants at Utah State University noted a strong relationship between athletics and the counseling center, a departmental culture centered on inclusivity, and full-time professionals whose primary focus is ensuring inclusive practices.

    “participants (Utah State University) noted the strong relationship between athletics and the counseling center, a departmental culture centered on inclusivity, and full-time professionals whose primary focus is ensuring inclusive practices.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given

    Some student-athletes at Haskell are the first in their families to attend college and may be the first to live away from their communities.

    “Some of our student athletes are not only the first in their families to attend college, but also may be the first of their families to live away from the communities in which they grew up.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingown data

    A participant at a public institution noted the recent passing of anti-DEI legislation that placed limitations on programming, discourse, and other campus activities.

    “a participant at a public institution noted the recent passing of anti-DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) legislation that placed limitations on programming, discourse, and other campus activities.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    The emphasis on bridging educational opportunity gaps shows an explicit connection between the educational and athletics institutions of their respective campuses, countering the existing narrative that higher education and athletics operate in separate silos.

    “The emphasis on bridging educational opportunity gaps, as supported by three other participants across different institutions, shows the explicit connection between the educational and athletics institutions of their respective campuses -leading to counter the existing narrative that higher education and athletics operate in separate silos (Stokowski et al., 2020).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Stokowski et al., 2020 source
    • Rests on an assumption: A common misconception is that all Native American students receive higher education funding from the government; this is not the case.
    • Rests on an assumption: Athletic scholarships can offset the prohibitive cost of college.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingown data

    At UNC Pembroke, the local tribe's culture is woven into all aspects of campus, such that the school cannot be separated from the Lumbee tribe.

    “One participant from UNC Pembroke stated the 'local tribe's culture is woven into all aspects of our campus'.So much that, 'you cannot separate our school from the Lumbee tribe'.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given

    The participants highlight how their athletics spaces understand, promote, and integrate institutional mission into their practices.

    “The participants shift that narrative to highlight how their athletics spaces understand, promote, and integrate institutional mission into their practices.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Athletics provides athletes the opportunity to receive an education and to positively impact their lives, their families' lives, and the lives of those in their communities.

    “We understand the power of athletics to provide our athletes the opportunity to receive an education and to positively impact their lives, their families' lives, and the lives of those in their communities.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: Athletic scholarships can offset the prohibitive cost of college.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingown data

    Fort Lewis College has a Native American Tuition Waiver that allows any tribal member to come to school at zero cost.

    “To note, one participant (Fort Lewis College) highlighted their institutions' Native American Tuition Waiver and celebrated the opportunity to 'allow any tribal member to come to school at zero cost.'”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    A participant at Utah State mentioned that while anti-DEI legislation presented limitations to the practices and language used on campus, there was still an emphasis on overcoming those challenges and remaining true to the TCU/NASNTI designation.

    “Another participant at Utah State mentioned that while anti-DEI legislation presented limitations to the practices and language used on campus, there was still an emphasis on overcoming those challenges and remaining true to the TCU/NASNTI designation.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingown data

    UNC Pembroke's institutional ceremonies include tribal leaders, including pre-game rituals.

    “Another participant from UNC Pembroke spoke about how all their institutional ceremonies include tribal leaders, including pre-game rituals.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingown data

    There was a critique of certain ceremonies, such as land acknowledgements, which could be perceived as performative.

    “There was also a critique of certain ceremonies, which could be perceived as performative.Land acknowledgements have become commonplace at many institutions and public events, these formal statements highlight Indigenous communities' rights to territories seized by colonial powers (Veltman, 2023).One participant noted, 'We have land acknowledgements before every game, but I'm not sure it always”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Veltman, 2023

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingown data

    Haskell Indian Nations University becomes a tight-knit community, described as family, not just a school.

    “This passion can also be found at Tribal Colleges, as one participant (Haskell Indian Nations University) explained,”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Participants stressed a consistent culture of providing support and a thorough understanding of their students' needs.

    “the participants stressed a consistent culture of providing support and a thorough understanding of their students' needs.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims. The quote only partly states this claim.

    Findingown data

    A participant from UNC-Pembroke teaches a class called Recreation and Sport in Indigenous Cultures, aiming for students to see sport and recreation as a spiritual practice in many tribes.

    “I teach a class called Recreation and Sport in Indigenous Cultures.My goal for students in the class (many of which are SAs) is to see how what we call”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingown data

    Collaborations between the Lumbee Tribe and UNC Pembroke play a crucial role in supporting their community and region with grant opportunities, student engagement, and cultural enrichment.

    “A Tribal Chairman stated that,”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingown data

    Many Haskell employees are alumni who long to stay connected to the tight-knit community.

    “The Haskell participant noted that many of their employees are alumni, longing to stay connected to the tight-knit community.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingnone given

    Fort Lewis College shares its athletics with the community by facilitating bike and cycling workshops led by student-athletes.

    “Institutions like Fort Lewis College also share their athletics with the community, facilitating bike and cycling workshops led by their student-athletes.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based).

    Findingnone given

    This institutional embeddedness and identity reflection is operationalized through logos, branding, sporting traditions, and engagement with Indigenous-serving initiatives.

    “This institutional embeddedness and identity reflection is operationalized through logos, branding, sporting traditions, and engagement with Indigenous-serving initiatives.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given

    Participants explicitly communicated a deep level understanding of their institutional context and importance to integrate that understanding into their operations as sport professionals.

    “the participants explicitly communicated a deep level understanding of their institutional context and importance to integrate that understanding into their operations as sport professionals.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingreasoning

    This deeper culture is seen through the integration of community members with in-game entertainment, community service programming, early college access programming through sport, and expanding the understanding of sport through classroom curriculum.

    “This is seen through the integration of community members with in-game entertainment, community service programming, early college access programming through sport, and expanding the understanding of sport through classroom curriculum.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Culturally responsive practice exists in the awareness and addressing injustice.

    “Culturally responsive practice also exists in the awareness and addressing injustice”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    The broader scope of these athletics spaces being integrated within academic realms reiterates the connection between the two institutions and sets the foundation for indigeneity reflection in other areas.

    “The broader scope of these athletics spaces being integrated within academic realms reiterates the connection between the two institutions, while also setting the foundation for indigeneity reflection in other areas.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductcitation

    The low response rate must be understood within a sociopolitical climate marked by increased tension for TCUs, NASNTIs, and other Special Mission Institutions, which may have discouraged survey participation.

    “The low response rate must be understood within a sociopolitical climate marked by increased tension for TCUs, NASNTIs, and other Special Mission Institutions (Alonso, 2025), which may have discouraged survey participation.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Alonso, 2025

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing).

    Interpretationown data

    Tapping directly into the classroom space to signify the role of sport within the broader Indigenous community reflects a deeper level of intentionality within the athletics department.

    “Tapping directly into the classroom space to signify the role of sport within the broader Indigenous community reflects a deeper level of intentionality within the athletics department.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductnone given

    Anonymous online surveys were used to give participants the freedom to communicate their perspectives without detection.

    “Anonymous online surveys were used to give participants the freedom to communicate their perspectives without detection.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductnone given

    The study was approved by the University of Kansas Institutional Review Board (IRB) and meets the necessary requirements for human subject-based research.

    “This study was approved by the University of Kansas Institutional Review Board (IRB) and meets the necessary requirements for human subject-based research.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based).

    Premisenone given
    § "It's Not Just About Competition -It's Ceremony": Introducing the Embedded Indigeneity Framework for Understanding Identity, Mission, and Practice in TCU and NASNTI Athletics

    TCUs and NASNTIs are considerably underrepresented within sport management/organization literature.

    “Within this group of institutions are Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs) and Native American Non-Tribal Serving Institutions (NASNTIs) -which are considerably underrepresented within sport management/organization literature.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Identity of self is paramount and often leads to a greater connection and commitment to the institution when there is identity alignment, with particular attention to race and ethnicity.

    “Identity of self is paramount and often leads to a greater connection and commitment to the institution when there is identity alignment, with particular attention to race and ethnicity (Farinde-Wu & Fitchett, 2018).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Farinde-Wu & Fitchett, 2018 source

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S4 (based).

    Premisereasoning
    § "It's Not Just About Competition -It's Ceremony": Introducing the Embedded Indigeneity Framework for Understanding Identity, Mission, and Practice in TCU and NASNTI Athletics

    College sport literature is relatively shallow when exploring and communicating the nuances of operating within SMIs.

    “Conversely, college sport literature is relatively shallow when exploring and communicating the nuances of operating within SMIs -largely due to the monolithic understanding and framing of college athletics.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductown data

    The survey yielded 14 participants across eight TCU/NASNTI athletics departments, resulting in a 2.7% response rate and a 4.5% response rate when considering undeliverable, non-working, and incomplete emails.

    “As seen within Table 1, the study yielded 14 participants across eight TCU/NANSTI athletics departments -resulting in a 2.7% response rate and a 4.5% response rate when considering the aforementioned elements.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Native communities are active participants in traditional sports like stickball and modern sports like basketball, and are known for their passion and fandom.

    “Sport and physical activity have been integral in Indigenous culture, as a leisure activity but also as a continuation of cultural expression (Oxendine, 1995).Native communities are and have been active participants in traditional sports like stickball but also modern sports like basketball.These communities are famously known for their passion and fandom, supporting their athletes, driving hours,”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Oxendine, 1995

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

    Interpretationreasoning

    The developments from this study expand the understanding of organizational identity, indigeneity, and practice.

    “From an organizational operations perspective, the developments from this study expand the understanding of organizational identity, indigeneity, and practice.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationown data

    This essential understanding shapes the way professionals show up in their respective roles, which further impacts the operation of their units and the broader organizational space.

    “This essential understanding shapes the way professionals show up in their respective roles, which further impacts the operation of their units and the broader organizational space.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Cultural Representation and Recognition reflects the overarching operation of the athletics space as an arena for institutional identity reflection.

    “Cultural Representation and Recognition reflects the overarching operation of the athletics space as an arena for institutional identity reflection.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based).

    Interpretationnone given

    The final theme, Navigating Organizational Tensions, serves as a final filter that continuously shapes the EIF process.

    “The final theme, Navigating Organizational Tensions, serves as a final filter that continuously shapes the EIF process.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Interpretationreasoning

    With attention to their athletics spaces, the role of the individual agent is powerful due to their personal connection and understanding of TCU/NASNTI status.

    “With attention to their athletics spaces, the role of the individual agent is powerful due to their personal connection and understanding of TCU/NASNTI status.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    This understanding shapes their personal approach to practice, which holds considerable implications for their respective units.

    “This understanding shapes their personal approach to practice, which holds considerable implications for their respective units.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Premisecitation

    Counternarrative amplifies and centers voices of those who are often excluded or forgotten in larger discourse.

    “Counternarrative, as explained by Solórzano and Yosso (2002), amplifies and centers voices of those who are often excluded or forgotten in larger discourse.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Solórzano and Yosso (2002) source

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S4 (based).

    Interpretationreasoning

    This study serves as a disruption to deficit-based narratives surrounding TCUs and NASNTIs in sport.

    “In alignment with the researchers' decolonial and social justice lenses, this study first serves as a disruption to deficit-based narratives surrounding TCUs and NASNTIs in sport.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing).

    Interpretationnone given

    The findings and subsequent analysis present a well-integrated space that artfully blends the Indigenous tradition and sport.

    “The findings and subsequent analysis present a well-integrated space that artfully blends the Indigenous tradition and sport.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    MSIs like TCUs and NASNTIs are facing increasing pressures and norms that impact campuses and their adjoining athletics spaces.

    “As noted by Alonso (2025), MSIs like TCUs and NASNTIs are facing increasing pressures and norms that impact campuses and their adjoining athletics spaces.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Alonso (2025)

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

    Interpretationnone given

    The EIF provides an alternative approach for understanding how institutional values are embedded across levels of the organization.

    “To note, the EIF provides an alternative approach for understanding how institutional values are embedded across levels of the organization.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    The scope of Special Mission Institutions continues to expand as more educational institutions reflect specific values and operations unique to their histories, locations, and communities.

    “The scope of Special Mission Institutions continues to expand as more educational institutions reflect specific values and operations unique to their histories, locations, and communities (Lane & Brown, 2005).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Lane & Brown, 2005

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationnone given

    The linear-circular design of the EIF reflects the consistently evolving nature of the TCU/NASNTI context and illustrates the necessity for change and development as a method for persistence.

    “Even further, the linear-circular design of the EIF reflects the consistently evolving nature of the TCU/NASNTI context and illustrates the necessity for change and development as a method for persistence.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    These elements promote a sense of shared racial identity and serve as a promotive factor, which positively impacts access, matriculation, and completion.

    “Akin to Smalls and colleagues (2007), these elements promote a sense of shared racial identity and serves as a promotive factor -which positively impacts access, matriculation, and completion.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Smalls and colleagues (2007)

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationcitation

    While organizational hybridity can explain how competing spaces like TCU/NASNTI institutions and college athletics can coexist in a hybrid organization model, the development of the EIF reflects a clear alignment to the internal institutional field.

    “While organizational hybridity can explain how competing spaces like TCU/NASNTI institutions and college athletics can coexist in a hybrid organization model, the development of the EIF reflects a clear alignment to the internal institutional field (Delmestri & Brumana, 2017).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Delmestri & Brumana, 2017 source

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Premisecitation

    The primary development of the EIF is a unique adaptation to college athletics research that has continuously positioned the educational and athletics institutions as inherently separate due to their competing logics.

    “When reviewing the EIF, the primary development is a unique adaptation to college athletics research that has continuously positioned the educational and athletics institutions as inherently separate due to their competing logics (Buer, 2009;Sperber, 2001).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Buer, 2009 source
    • cites Sperber, 2001

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Interpretationreasoning

    The development of mentoring programs, intensive community engagement initiatives, and establishing a deeper understanding of athletics in relation to the Indigenous community reflects both innovation and resistance.

    “The development of mentoring programs, intensive community engagement initiatives, and establishing a deeper understanding of athletics in relation to the Indigenous community reflects both innovation and resistance.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

    Interpretationreasoning

    This stark contrast from traditionalist institutionalization discourse within sport organizations further asserts that decolonial praxis expands the scope of understanding and application.

    “This stark contrast from traditionalist institutionalization discourse within sport organizations further asserts that decolonial praxis expands the scope of understanding and application.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    While prevailing literature often frames intercollegiate athletics departments as separate, predominantly commercially-driven, and hierarchical, this study challenges those notions.

    “While prevailing literature often frames intercollegiate athletics departments as separate, predominantly commercially-driven, and hierarchical -this study challenges those notions.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Interpretationreasoning

    As policy, practice, and social norms shift, the framework displays how indigeneity evolves and persists across organizational life.

    “As policy, practice, and social norms shift -the framework displays how indigeneity evolves and persists across organizational life.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S4 (based).

    Interpretationreasoning

    The development from this study presents an alternative outlook into Indigenous-based sport organizations, where an agent-to-organization process amplifies the mission of the institution.

    “Even further, the development from this study presents an alternative outlook into Indigenous-based sport organizations, where an agent-to-organization process amplifies the mission of the institution.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    The internal institutional field posits that while different components of the same organization can vary by guiding logics (athletics vs academics), the overarching institutional logic (indigeneity) guides the operations of both areas.

    “The internal institutional field posits that while different components of the same organization can vary by guiding logics (athletics vs academics), the overarching institutional logic (indigeneity) guides the operations of both areas.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Delmestri & Brumana, 2017 source

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S4 (based).

    Interpretationnone given

    Illuminating the unique culture and approach implemented by TCUs and NASNTIs explains how the broader concepts of indigeneity are operationalized through a sporting context and serve to continue the mission of the institution.

    “Illuminating the unique culture and approach implemented by TCUs and NASNTIs explains how the broader concepts of indigeneity are oper-ationalized through a sporting context and serve to continue the mission of the institution.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    The agent is impactful, community engagement is paramount, and athletics seeks to embody indigeneity within operations.

    “The agent is impactful, community engagement is paramount, and athletics seeks to embody indigeneity within operations.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

    Interpretationnone given

    The core component of the EIF is Personal and Historical Identity Integration, which reflects a foundational understanding of the institutional context-being aware that while they are athletics professionals, they are athletics professionals at TCUs and NASNTIs.

    “As seen within the EIF, the core component is the Personal and Historical Identity Integration which reflects a foundational understanding of the institutional context -or being aware that while they are athletics professionals, they are athletics professionals at TCUs and NASNTIs.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

    Interpretationreasoning

    When reviewing the narratives of the practitioners and the design of the EIF, the foundational role of connecting oneself with the broader identity of being a TCU/NASNTI is integral.

    “When reviewing the narratives of the practitioners and the design of the EIF, the foundational role of connecting oneself with the broader identity of being a TCU/NASNTI is integral.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based).

    Interpretationnone given

    The EIF provided a culturally grounded extension of two underutilized concepts within organizational research: internal organizational fields and micro-foundations of institutionalization.

    “Although understanding that identity is integrated into sport and amplified through the operations of the athletics space, the EIF provided a culturally grounded extension of two underutilized concepts within organizational research: internal organizational fields and micro-foundations of institutionalization.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S4 (based).

    Interpretationreasoning

    Given the visibility and communal nature of intercollegiate sport, the athletics department serves as a front-facing space to amplify institutional mission and identity through a unique, sport-centric lens.

    “Given the visibility and communal nature of intercollegiate sport, the athletics department serves as a front-facing space to amplify institutional mission and identity through a unique, sport-centric lens.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
65 of 65

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    A common misconception is that all Native American students receive higher education funding from the government; this is not the case.

    “A common misconception is that all Native American students receive higher education funding from the government, this is simply not the case.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Athletic scholarships can offset the prohibitive cost of college.

    “The opportunity to obtain athletic scholarships can offset the prohibitive cost of college.”

  • The authors state this as an assumption.

    The overall identity of the institution would have a trickle-down effect into the athletics space, largely due to the status of most TCUs and NASNTIs being smaller institutions.

    “The assumption when designing the study was that the overall identity of the institution would have a trickle-down effect into the athletics space, largely due to the status of most TCUs and NASNTIs being smaller institutions (DiMaggio & Powell 1983).”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Knowledge is socially constructed and shaped by socially-embedded power structures.

    “Knowledge is socially constructed and shaped by socially-embedded power structures”
4 of 4

Cites

Flagged first, then by citations

17 of the 69 references couldn’t be matched to a known paper.

Research works printed but not linked: 16

  1. Ali-Christie, A. (2013). American Indian collegiate athletes: Accessing education through sport (Doctoral dissertation). Retrieved from
  2. Ali-Joseph, A. (2018). "Exercising" sovereignty: American Indian collegiate ath- letes. In M. O. Nelson & K. Jarratt-Snider (Eds.), Crime and social justice in Indian Country (pp. 96-116). The University of Arizona Press.
  3. Archuleta, M. L., Child, B. J., & Lomawaima, K. T. (2004). Introduction. In M. L. Archuleta, B. J. Child, & K. T. Lomawaima (Eds.), Away from home: American Indian boarding school experiences 1879-2000 (pp. 14-23). Heard Museum.
  4. Bentley, M. L. (2003). Introducing critical constructivism: Critical consciousness through a critical constructivist pedagogy. In Annual Meeting of the American Educational Studies Association, Mexico City, Mexico. https://www.academia. edu/99772645/Introducing_Critical_Constructivism_Critical_Consciousness_ Through_A_Critical_Constructivist_Pedagogy
  5. Bingham, T. M. (2018). Perceptions of organizational culture and organizational change at a Hispanic-serving institution [Doctoral dissertation, University of Alabama]. University of Alabama Institutional Repository. https://www.pro- quest.com/openview/7ee861647d3248746699cc1c43be1e08/1
  6. Blackwell, D. (2025). Beyond the scoreboard: Examining graduation success rates of Black student-athletes at Historically Black Colleges and Predominately White Institutions (Doctoral dissertation, Hampton University). https://www.proquest. com/dissertations-theses/beyond-scoreboard-examining-graduation-success/ docview/3206116482/se-2
  7. Donnor, J. K. (2021). The last plantation: Toward a new understanding of the rela- tionship between race, major college sports, and American higher education. In Handbook of critical race theory in education (pp. 166-178). Routledge.
  8. Hudson, J. (2018). Cultural branding: An examination of website marketing prac- tices at historically Black colleges and universities and non-HBCU Black-serv- ing institutions [Doctoral dissertation, University of Southern Mississippi]. University of Southern Mississippi Repository. https://aquila.usm.edu/disserta- tions/1602/
  9. Jackson, A. Y., & Mazzei, L. (2012). Thinking with theory in qualitative research: Viewing data across multiple perspectives. Routledge.
  10. Lane, J. E., & Brown, M. C. (Eds.). (2005). Unique campus settings: Insights for research and assessment. Jossey-Bass.
  11. Morales, M. (2020). Engaging sameness: A phenomenological study of the com- munity engagement experiences of Latinx students at a Hispanic-serving insti- tution [Doctoral dissertation, University of La Verne]. University of La Verne Repository. https://researchworks.laverne.edu/esploro/outputs/doctoral/Engag- ing-Sameness-A-Phenomenological-Study-of/991004155679706311 MSI Directory. (2025). Rutgers GSE CMSI. https://cmsi.gse.rutgers.edu/msi-direc- tory Museum of Indian Arts and Culture. (n.d.). Turquoise, water, sky: The stone and its meaning. https://turquoise.indianartsandculture.org/
  12. Runner, I.H., & Marshall, K. (2003). Miracle survivors: Promoting resilience in In- dian students. Tribal College Journal, 14(4), Article 15.
  13. Schein, E. H. (1985). Defining organizational culture. Classics of Organization The- ory, 3(1), 490-502.
  14. Rodrigues Silva, C., Rodrigues Silva, L., & Zanola, F. (2025). Collective social responsibility: revealing agendas in intersectional and decolonial interpretive communities. Culture and Organization, 31(3), 270-289. https://doi.org/10.108 0/14759551.2024.2446292 · DOI
  15. Tsosie, Rebecca. (2016). Indigenous identity and sports mascots: the battlefield of cultural production. Federal Lawyer, 63(2), 9-11.
  16. Wideman, B. N. (2025). Improving organizational climates at HBCUs: Leveraging the voices of underrepresented, minority women faculty and instructors [Doctoral dissertation, Creighton University]. Creighton University Repository. https://re- searchworks.creighton.edu/esploro/outputs/doctoral/IMPROVING-ORGANI- ZATIONAL-CLIMATES-AT-HBCUS-LEVERAGING/991006165580002656

Authors
Foster, S., & Welch, N.
Affiliations
  • University of Kansas (US)
  • Seattle University (US)
ORCID
Venue
Journal of Intercollegiate Sport
Publisher
The University of Kansas
Published
2026-10-20
Volume
19
Issue
3
ISSN
  • 1941-417X (ISSN-L)
  • 1941-6342
DOI
10.17161/jis.v19i3.24806
OpenAlex
W7223133667
Cited by
0
References
69
FWCI
0.00
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
Locations
  • Journal of Intercollegiate Sport (publishedVersion, cc-by-nc-nd)
  • DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) (submittedVersion)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Sociology and Political Science › Physical Education and Sports Studies
  • Social Sciences › Gender Studies › Sports, Gender, and Society
  • Social Sciences › Health › Indigenous Health, Education, and Rights
Keywords
tribal colleges, indigenous identity, college athletics, sports management, decoloniality, social justice, cultural representation, organizational tensions, identity integration, practitioner narratives

About these checks

Registry, retraction, Cites and statistics results are computed, not judged, with one exception: a printed reference that no index lists is read once by a model before it counts as a citation error. Claims are extracted by a model and kept only when their quote appears verbatim in the text; each cited source is then checked, with a model’s help, for whether it says what the claim relies on. Those verdicts can be wrong — read the claim’s quote and the cited source before relying on one.

Claims read by deepseek-v4.1-flash under definition version 3 (extract-v3) on 2026-10-27.

Classified by jev-1.13-20260917 (gold-guideline-v0.2) on 2026-10-27.

Cited sources are checked by gpt-6-sol.

Statistics and arithmetic are recomputed, not judged.

Confidence bands are shown only for fields calibrated on our annotated test set. None is calibrated yet, so no band is shown.

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