Lu Dort may be Canadian by birth, but his soul beats for Haiti. The Oklahoma City Thunder star proudly embraces his Haitian roots; something he’s never been shy about. From the language he speaks at home to the documentaries he watches, Dort keeps his culture close, no matter how far away he is. Even though he grew up in Montreal, he says it always felt like Haiti inside his home. His deep love for his family’s heritage shows not just in his words, but in the way he lives. So, let’s dive into the story behind Lu Dort’s background and identity.

What is Lu Dort’s ethnicity and religion?

Luguentz Dort was born on April 19, 1999, in Montreal, Quebec, making him Canadian by nationality. But ethnically, he’s Haitian. His parents, Lufruentz Dort and Erline Mortel, immigrated to Montreal from Saint-Marc, Haiti, at the age of 21. As for his religion? Dort hasn’t publicly spoken about his beliefs, so there’s no confirmation on whether he follows any faith.

His family’s story reflects humble beginnings. His father worked as a taxi driver and eventually became an owner, while his mother found work in the clothing industry. Dort grew up with five siblings; Daphney, Ludnie, Berline, Frantz Jr., and Eveno; in the Montréal-Nord neighborhood, heavily influenced by Haitian culture.

He actually started off playing soccer as a goalkeeper. But it was his older brothers who nudged him toward basketball; and that shift changed everything. The sport kept him off the streets, away from gangs, and gave him a purpose. He sharpened his game playing street ball at Saint Laurent Park and joined organized leagues at age 12, under coach Nelson Ossé in Park Extension.

Dort’s rise continued through the AAU circuit with Brookwood Elite. After a season of high school ball in Quebec, he moved to Arlington Country Day in Jacksonville, Florida. The move helped him grow as a player; and as a person. He improved his English, adapted to a faster game, and got a shot at something bigger.

Still, his roots never left him. “I’ve watched a lot of documentaries about Haitian history,” Dort once said.

He was drawn to Haiti’s revolutionary legacy as the first Black republic and admired the spirit of his ancestors who fought for freedom. That pride spilled over into his NBA debut season. When players wore social justice messages on their jerseys, Dort chose “Respekte Nou”; Creole for “Respect Us.” “It was big for me to put ‘Respect Us’ in Creole on my back because of all the stuff that was going on back there,” he explained.

That choice wasn’t random. He speaks fluent Haitian Creole and grew up in a household where the Haitian identity was front and center. As he once put it: “I was living in Canada, but I felt like I was in Haiti the whole time.”

Even now, his Instagram bio proudly displays both the Haitian and Canadian flags.

Dort visited Haiti once, when he was five. But he hopes to return; and not just to visit. His dream? To host a basketball camp in Haiti. Not for publicity. But to give back. To empower. To inspire. As much as he reps Canada on the court, his soul? That belongs to Haiti.

Luguentz Dort’s pride in his Haitian roots

Luguentz Dort doesn’t just carry Haitian pride in his heart; he wears it on his back. Literally. During the 2020 NBA Bubble, while most players chose “Equality” or “Black Lives Matter” as their social justice jersey messages, Dort went personal. His jersey read “Respekte Nou,” meaning “Respect Us” in Haitian Creole. A simple phrase. But one loaded with generational struggle, identity, and pride.

Born in Montreal to Haitian immigrants, Dort grew up in a home steeped in Creole language and culture. His parents; Lufruentz and Erline; left Saint-Marc, Haiti, when they were just 21. Despite being raised in Canada, Dort once said, “I felt like I was in Haiti the whole time.” That says everything.

He’s fascinated by Haiti’s past. Its revolution. Its status as the first Black republic. He’s watched every documentary he could find. And now? He dreams of returning; not just to visit, but to give back. He wants to host a basketball camp there one day. But for now, with the country in chaos, he waits. Hopeful.

Through his voice, play, and presence, Dort makes sure one thing’s clear: he’s not just repping Canada on the court; he’s repping Haiti in every breath.

What Is Lu Dort’s Nationality? Has He Ever Represented Team Canada?

Luguentz Dort is Canadian by nationality, born and raised in Montreal, Quebec; but his roots run deep into Haitian soil. And yes, Dort has proudly worn the red and white. He’s been a staple on Canada’s national team since 2022, driven by the dream of helping the country make its first Olympic appearance since 2000. That dream became reality when he suited up for the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Before that, he played a key role in Canada’s historic bronze medal run at the 2023 FIBA World Cup, proving his loyalty to the maple leaf runs just as strong as his heritage.