A huge shout out to all Nonprofits, mentorship programs, Nike’s N7 Fund and most importantly, Indigenous American athletes. This week we are taking some extra time to highlight three brave Indigenous Athletes, who are using their platform to bring awareness to Indigenous community efforts across America.
In a series called ‘Representation Is at the Heart of the Summer Nike N7 Collection’ Nike takes a deep dive into sneaker design with the help of some amazing INDEGINOUS athletes.
Now the athletes included Pro Volleyball player, Lauren Schad, Uncle Drew conduit, Kyrie Irving and Professional Lacrosse player, Lyle Thompson.
This sneaker and culture mash up is another example why representation matters. We all know the saying, sharing is caring…(atleast you do now) For Americans, learning about other cultures is the only way we experience them alot of the time. That typically includes sharing stories, food and maybe a smile but not new Nike Sneakers. Most importantly, this exchange offers many people a chance to connect and build a more nuance perspective on indeginous communities, designers and athletes.
Check out the upcoming N7 sneaker release by scrolling below and experience Sneakers , with these NEVER before seen designs.
Nike Dunk Low “N7”
Color: Dark Raisin/Off Noir/Wheat
Release Date: June 21, 2021
Lyle goes on to tell Nike, that “My hope for anyone wearing the [custom] Dunk is to sense the Indigenous trait of resiliency. We represent a mindset, full of knowledge, that we can give to the world as the first people of North America.”
In part, this relationship between famous Indeginous Athletes and fashion highlights the mutual commitment towards mentorship for Indeginous youth and adult via education, career development and access to essential Healthcare needs.
On top of being a standout professional lacrosse player, Thompson also leads the ‘4 the Future Foundation’ which uses ‘lacrosse to teach Indigenous youth about the values of persistence, respect and joy in sport.’
Lyle concluded the interview saying:
‘We represent a strong legacy that insists on showing up again and again despite the history of colonization.’
‘We’re proudly Indigenous, and we have a lot to give to the world.’
Next up is Lauren Schad, a middle blocker from in Paha Sapa (Black Hills) in Rapid City, South Dakota who has stood out as both hearty competitor and Indeginous Women’s activist.
Scroll below to see her design which infuses inspirations from The Cheyenne River Lakota Nation. Her custom design ‘incorporates colors of the medicine wheel and porcupine quill art into the silhouette, giving homage to her tribe.’ (Andrea Carrillo, Modern Notoriety)
Nike Air Zoom Type “N7”
Style Code: DJ6143-001
Release Date: June 21, 2021
Nike Kyrie Low 4 “N7”
Style Code: CW3985-005
Release Date: June 21, 2021
The Nike article also serves as an example of how big and small companies can step up and lend their ears and efforts towards creating a more equitable landscape for Indigenous people all over the world. Enjoy and keep creating creators.
Read the full Nike article here
(Credits: Nike, Modern Notoriety, Sneaker News)
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