“It keeps me humble. It helps me realize that there’s a lot of other people that look up to me. I have a big responsibility to give those people everything that they need.” Lindy Waters III lives by these words, giving meaning to his on and off-court life. The intensity of his passion for basketball matches his commitment to his roots. As he continues to grow with the Golden State Warriors, he never forgets to honor his heritage. So with that, let’s look into what the hoopster’s off-court life is and how he embraces his purpose.

What is Lindy Waters III’s ethnicity? Does the Warriors star belong to a tribe?

Yes, Lindy Waters III belongs to a tribe. He is a proud citizen of the Kiowa Nation and a descendant of the Cherokee people. His father, Lindy Jr., and mother, Lisa, ensured their children embraced their heritage. Young Lindy began understanding his rich Native American ancestry. He has long embraced his Kiowa and Cherokee roots, feeling strongly connected to his ancestors.

The Waters family home is filled with sacred artifacts that connect them to their heritage. Eagle feathers, symbols of strength and wisdom, hung in the kitchen, reminding Lindy of the generations before him. His dad often shared stories about their ancestors, including Chief Red Tipi and Satank, who helped shape the Kiowa tribe’s history. These tales helped instill a deep sense of pride in Lindy Waters III, shaping his understanding of his lineage.

One of the most impactful traditions in the Waters family was attending pow-wows, where they would gather to honor their culture. The dances, food, and music provided a sense of belonging and unity. For Lindy, these events were more than just cultural experiences—they were times to connect with his people and heritage. “The music, the food, the dancing—he felt it all,” says Waters.

His connection to his roots is also reflected in his tattoos. Near his feather tattoo, he has a buffalo symbol representing the Kiowa tribe. The buffalo holds significant cultural value, symbolizing strength, survival, and perseverance.

Another notable tattoo is “Pao” on his chest, meaning “next in line.” His grandfather’s portrait also sits on the opposite side of his chest, representing the powerful lineage that continues to guide him.

While growing up, the hoopster also learned the importance of giving. He continued a cherished family tradition of performing “giveaways,” where he would present sacred gifts to people who helped him along his journey.

During his time at Oklahoma State, he gifted traditional Native American Pendleton blankets to the coaches, teammates, and staff. “It just shows that there’s always somebody else that needs help,” Lindy Waters III said. “And there’s always somebody that comes into your life that you would never expect.”

A special Pendleton blanket from Lindy’s grandmother’s funeral remains in the Waters household. It was first placed on her casket but was later draped around Lindy Jr. as a symbol of love and comfort. For the NBA star, these artifacts represent his family’s connection to one another and the generations before them. They embody his responsibility to uphold his heritage with pride and care.

The hoopster also has a deep respect for Native American art and history. One of the most significant pieces in his life is a replica of “The Guardian,” a Native American warrior sculpture created by artist Enoch Kelly Haney.

The original stands at the Oklahoma State Capitol and is a tribute to the courage and resilience of indigenous people. Lindy Waters III honors his ancestors through these symbols, understanding that they are part of a legacy of resistance and survival.

Did you know he also embraced their dance form? Cherokee stomp dances.

These performances, which often lasted days, allowed him to honor his roots while having fun with his community. “There’s no fouls. There’s no free throws,” Lindy said with a grin, describing the stickball games at these events.

Attending pow-wows in Norman was another important tradition for the Waters family. At these gatherings, Lindy’s family would savor Indian tacos, a dish filled with fried bread, beans, and meat. “Nobody cooks fry bread like my grandma and my aunt,” he said, emphasizing how food, too, plays a crucial role in his culture.

However, this proves that Lindy Waters III’s ethnicity and heritage play a pivotal role in shaping who he is today. His Kiowa and Cherokee ancestry has allowed him to embrace a deep sense of identity, pride, and responsibility.

Where was Lindy Waters III born?

Lindy Waters III was born on July 28, 1997, in Boulder, Colorado. Thus, making his nationality Kiowa-American. His parents, Lindy Jr. and Lisa, as we know, raised him with strong Native American roots. At the age of four, his family moved to Norman, Oklahoma, where he would grow up. It was in Norman that he began to deeply connect with his Kiowa and Cherokee heritage. His childhood there shaped the person he became today. But, despite all this, he was awarded a major title at a young age.

Was Lindy Waters III awarded the ‘Indian of the Year’?

In Lindy’s life, he went on a trip to Washington, D.C., when he was just 10. He and his siblings joined their father, Lindy Jr., for a history lesson on the United States and Native American history. This trip happened the same year the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian opened its doors. As a result, Lindy’s understanding of his people’s history deepened significantly. One of his ancestors, Satank, is immortalized in the Smithsonian, with his portrait hanging alongside other great leaders. Through these trips and experiences, he has come to understand the importance of preserving his culture. He has made it his mission to continue learning about his ancestry and sharing it with others.

The experience solidified his connection to his heritage. It also sparked his commitment to preserving it. His family helped him understand the importance of honoring his roots. Lindy often reflects on this, saying, “It just makes me work a lot harder, makes me more thankful for the situation and opportunity that I’m given, and makes me want to leave it even better than when I came in.”

Lindy Waters III’s dedication goes beyond just understanding his past. He is committed to mentoring the Native American youth. From holding basketball clinics for kids on reservations to being named “Indian of the Year” by the American Indian Exposition, his influence is growing. Lindy’s efforts have inspired many, showing the power of embracing one’s heritage.

Through his story, Lindy Waters III proves that cultural preservation is a personal responsibility. His journey from understanding his ancestry to mentoring others has been remarkable. He has dedicated his life to continuing the legacy of his people.