South Charlotte Today

RaeQuan Battle has faced challenges throughout his life, currently vying for success with the Charlotte Hornets at the NBA Summer League. His journey extends beyond the court as he represents his Native American heritage and the Tulalip Tribe.

Battle spent his first 18 years on the Tulalip Reservation, located north of Seattle, WA. The reservation is home to over 5,000 members of the tribe, with 2,700 residing on its 22,000 acres. "When I was growing up, I never left the reservation," said Battle. "It’s a tight community and we’re water people."

The Tulalip Reservation was established following the Treaty of Point Elliott in 1855, which granted sovereign rights to several tribes. Battle emphasized the importance of these rights: “We will go to war for stuff like that, our fishing rights, hunting rights. It means everything to us.”

The Lushootseed language is spoken on the reservation and has been preserved partly due to efforts by Battle's great-grandmother. "Our language was almost lost," he noted.

Basketball holds significant cultural value on the reservation. Early in his athletic career, Battle chose basketball over football under his mother's guidance. He excelled at Marysville Pilchuck High School and later became a Division I athlete at the University of Washington.

After stints at Montana State and West Virginia University—where he connected with Coach Josh Eilert due to shared Native American backgrounds—Battle now aims for an NBA career while honoring his roots.

Throughout his collegiate journey, Battle explored various Native American cultures. He remarked on these experiences: “We have different rituals... but there’s a connection.”

For many on the Tulalip Reservation, seeing one of their own succeed in professional sports would be monumental. Battle acknowledges this responsibility: “All the kids back home... I’m open to having any conversation that they want to have.”

Battle joins other NBA players with Native American heritage such as Lindy Waters III and Kyrie Irving. He bears tattoos honoring his culture and wears No. 21 in tribute to his mother.

During the Hornets' California Classic run, Battle averaged notable statistics and demonstrated strong performance both offensively and defensively.

Reflecting on his experience at Summer League, he said: “As a kid, you always dream about being in this moment... it’s something I’ve always dreamed of.”

Despite leaving Tulalip nearly five years ago, RaeQuan Battle remains deeply connected to his community as he pursues professional basketball.

For more information about the Tulalip Tribes, visit https://www.tulaliptribes-nsn.gov/