Having played and coached for a long time, Kelvin Sampson is a well-known figure in the collegiate basketball community. He frequently talks about how his Native American upbringing influenced who he is now.

One of the Six Nations that comprise the Iroquois Confederacy is the Cayuga Nation, where Sampson hails from. Throughout his life, Sampson managed to establish connections with people from a variety of backgrounds, even though he belonged to this particular cultural group. He stresses that even though he was unique in many ways due to his heritage, he never felt isolated or alienated from other people.

Consider Sampson as a tree that grows on the outskirts of a huge forest to better understand this sentiment. Although the tree's roots are closely linked to the soil and customs of its home region, its branches extend toward the sun, touching leaves from nearby trees. Similarly, despite having Native American roots, Sampson was able to connect with people from different backgrounds without feeling alienated or cut off.

Through his basketball career, Sampson frequently advocates for inclusivity and empathy, which is reflected in his viewpoint. He is a strong proponent of removing barriers between various communities and promoting respect and understanding between them. His message, which emphasizes the value of viewing oneself as a part of a wider, interconnected community, speaks to many people who, despite their diverse backgrounds, feel a similar sense of belonging.

Sampson keeps inspiring people with his words and deeds by demonstrating that we can embrace our uniqueness without feeling alone or cut off from others.