NIKE N7 in Stores Near You

On November 7th, Nike, Inc., officially launching the Nike Air Native N7 Collection, created to promote youth fitness and youth sport programs in Native American communities throughout the country. Nike will use the shoe collection to help finance the N7 program, utilized for the Nike “Let Me Play on Native Lands Fund.”

NIGA Chairman Ernie Stevens, Jr. also serves as a board of director for the Nike Native Lands Fund Board and since the launching of the N7 line has made it his personal commitment to visit a Nike store in every town in conjunction with his travels throughout, representing NIGA.

During the annual G2E convention in Las Vegas, Nevada, Stevens was able to visit the Nike Outlet Store to see for the first time the display of the Nike N7 shoe line. Stevens said, “I was impressed with the display and the way in which the sales associates were ready and available to answer any questions related to the N7 line.

At this stop, the NIGA Chairman personally purchased a pair of the N7 shoes for his wife Cheryl and a pair for his grandson Brandon Stevens, Jr. Stevens says he will do his part to personally purchased one or two of the N7 shoe line for each member of his family until they are all wearing Nike’s N7.

“It feels good to be part of providing these shoes for family members, but also to be part of contributing to the funds to be utilized for the “Let Me Play on Native Lands” program.” Stevens concluded.

American Indian Chamber of Commerce of California Honors NIGA Chairman

The American Indian Chamber of Commerce of California (The Chamber) conducted “A Community Honoring” of the National Indian Gaming Association (NIGA) Chairman, Ernie Stevens, Jr., for his tireless work on behalf of American Indian business inclusion in the gaming industry at our Annual Native American Heritage Month luncheon held in Pasadena, CA.

The Chamber presented Chairman Stevens with Honorary Lifetime Membership in the Chamber and recognized the Chairman for his groundbreaking work in ensuring all sizes of American Indian businesses have access to contracts in the gaming industry before a large crowd of Chamber members and supporters.

“Our American Indian Chamber has grown from a small group of spirited American Indian entrepreneurs, to an American Indian business organization powerhouse, through the partnership and participation of our businesses, tribal enterprises, corporate America and government/ municipal entities. It is essential that we all continue to work to integrate our businesses into all aspects of our Indian Country economy to realize our commonly-held vision of economic self-sufficiency of our people. Chairman Stevens is a leader in this movement and we honor him as such, “ said Chamber President Tracy Stanhoff.

Upon receiving award, NIGA Chairman Ernie Stevens, Jr., said, “I am honored to be with a dynamic group of Native business owners. It is empowering to see Native American business flourish and come together to provide critical jobs and services of the Native communities.”

The highlight of the afternoon event was the presentation of the Warrior Award by the Chamber to Chairman Marshall McKay of the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation. Chairman Stevens then presented Chairman McKay a bolo tie on behalf of the NIGA Member tribes. Stevens also gave special recognition to former Warrior Award recipient and current NIGA Executive Board Secretary, Lynn Valbuena, who was representing the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians at the awards luncheon.

The Chamber looks forward to working with NIGA for many years to come in our efforts to educate, mentor, advocate and support American Indian business growth. Questions, contact Chamber President, Tracy Stanhoff at 714-898- 6364.

Tribal Keynote Panel Highlights Future Direction of Indian Gaming at G2E 2009

The recognition of Indian country as a vital part of the gaming industry was on display at the 2009 Global Gaming Expo (G2E) in Las Vegas, Nevada. Industry professionals were on hand to learn about the latest issues and future direction of Indian gaming and gain access to tribal gaming leaders.

G2E 2009, which kicked off on November 17 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, is the annual commercial gaming trade show and conference that draws over 30,000 gaming industry professionals worldwide. With the emergence and success of Indian gaming on the casino industry forefront, G2E is a good opportunity for tribal gaming industry leaders to see the latest tools and resources available in the worldwide gaming community.

One of the highlights of G2E 2009 was the tribal keynote panel hosted by the National Indian Gaming Association (NIGA). The Indian gaming round table, “On the Record- Tribal Gaming Issues and Answers”, was in the format of a “Meet the Press” style presentation, which was moderated by NIGA Chairman Ernie Stevens, Jr. and Roger Gros, Publisher of Global Gaming Business Magazine. The session focused on the next generation of tribal government leadership throughout Indian Country and highlighted key issues in federal legislation and recent developments in federal Indian policy.

“Indian country plays a vital part of the overall gaming industry. We are excited because Indian country has been a major part of the success of G2E. From day one of the planning stages of this global gaming convention, Indian country has been consulted, and we continue to part of their success.” Chairman Stevens said.

“Today we have the next generation of leaders who currently represent Indian country in the multiple issues that impact Tribal sovereignty, including economic development through Tribal government gaming. I want to emphasize that these leaders are educated, experienced and well prepared for their roles as elected leaders representing Indian country. These leaders here today are just a few representatives of the next generation who are protecting sovereignty and standing firm for Indian country.”

The panelist included: Kevin Leecy, Chairman of the Bois Forte Band Of Ojibwe, Mark A. Macarro, Chairman of the Pechanga Band of Luiseno Indians, Stuart Paisano, Councilman for the Pueblo Sandia Tribe, George Skibine, Acting Chairman of the National Indian Gaming Commission, and Mark Van Norman, Executive Director of NIGA.

The keynote panel session began with opening remarks from Chairman Stevens, and Gay Kingman, a member of the Cheyenne River Sioux, wife of the late tribal sovereignty advocate S. Timothy Wapato, and herself a noted tribal leader.

Working with then NIGA Chairman Rick Hill, Kingman and her late husband helped strengthen and reestablish NIGA in 1993. After giving a brief history of NIGA, Kingman told the crowd, “While gaming is very important to our nations, we must never leave our culture, traditions, and spirituality behind as we embrace this new world.” Gay emphasized the strength of the family environment at the National Indian Gaming Association and appeared pleased with the “next generation” of new leaders.

Chairman Kevin Leecy, Chairman Mark A. Macarro, and NIGC Acting Chairman George Skibine each addressed issues and topics, such as state governments relationships related to tribal-state compacts and the overall economic climate of the gaming industry today.

After a statement by each of the panelists, Chairman Stevens then turned the question and answer session duties over to Roger Gros, for a Q and A session.

Gros directed his first question at Chairman Leecy by asking if the image of Native Americans is tied too closely to Indian gaming.

“Yes and no,” Leecy responded. “Yes, because it’s funny when I hear some people talking about where they are going to go. They say, ‘I’m going to go to Mystic Lake.’ That’s one indication where we tie tribal casinos a little bit too much to the Indian nations. But it’s a good thing because Indian Gaming is doing good things for the community.”

Next, Gros asked Councilman Paisano about New Mexico’s longstanding tribal relations with the Governor of New Mexico with respect to Indian gaming. Paisano credited former New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson for strengthening New Mexico’s tribal-state relationships.

“Prior to Governor Richardson, it was always a struggle at that time in educating the legislators and the executive branch. We hope that other states throughout the country follow the lead of Bill Richardson in creating cabinet-level types of positions and hiring Native American people in order to educate and to deliver better services to tribal governments,” said Paisano.

Gros’ other questions to the panel included inquiries about the impact of presidential administration transitions on Indian Country.

This was yet another great panel and show by Indian Country. The following is additional highlights of G2E 2009.

This year’s expo also featured an Indian gaming track that addressed the specific challenges and issues of the unique tribal gaming sector.

Day One of the Indian gaming track opened with “Big Brands: Native Casino Design”, a session that examined branding as a part of the overall design process. The day’s sessions also included, “NCCG at G2E: Myths vs. Evidence: The Impact of Indian Gaming”, which included a panel that addressed the various Indian myths that persist in the media, “Spreading the Wealth: Tribal Financing Options”, a session that focused on the best way to qualify for loans, and “Tribal Perspective: Indian Gaming and Obama Administration”, which focused on whether the change Indian Country sought to under the Obama administration has been delivered.

Day two kicked off with “National Indian Gaming Commission: An Update”, a session that discussed Class II gaming, off-reservation gaming, and the relationship of the NIGC with other federal bodies. The sessions continued with “Tribal Compacts 2.0”, which focused on providing background information on compact models, older models, and how the next generation of revenue sharing can benefit tribal and state governments, “Regulation and Respect: Tribal Commissioners Working Together”, which brought together several tribal gaming commissioners to discuss how they do their jobs working with tribes, states, and the federal government. Day two ended with “Tribal Sovereignty: Limited Non-Tribal Jurisdiction over Casino Patron Disputes”, which examined how tribes should draft their tort claims ordinances to ensure the utmost protection of their sovereignty.

The last day of the Indian gaming track opened with the Signature Series, “When Down Seems Like Up: The Impact of the Economy on Tribal Gaming”, which examined the ramifications of lower revenues on a tribe’s finances and how it can be handled. The last session of the track was “Tribal Labor Relations: Sovereignty or Solutions”, which addressed the impact of the Federal labor laws on tribal casinos.

National Indian Gaming Association and Acting NIGC Chairman George Skibine at Global Gaming Expo (G2E)

LAS VEGAS, NV - November 20, 2009 - The National Indian Gaming Association (NIGA) hosted a keynote panel at the Global Gaming Expo highlighting key issues of federal legislation and recent developments in federal Indian policy. Ernie Stevens, Jr., Chairman of the National Indian Gaming Association, addressed the audience of gaming industry professionals from all over the world in his keynote address, pointing out that "Indian country plays a vital part of the overall gaming industry. We are excited because Indian country has been a major part of the success of G2E. From day one of the planning stages of this global gaming convention, Indian country has been consulted, and we continue to part of their success."

The Indian Gaming round table, "On the Record - Tribal Gaming Issues and Answers," focused on the new generation of tribal government leadership throughout Indian country. The session was a "Meet the Press" style presentation, moderated by Chairman Stevens. Panelists included: Kevin Leecy, Tribal Chairman, Bois Forte Band of Chippewa, MN, Mark A. Macarro, Chairman, Pechanga Band of Luiseno Indians, CA, Stuart Paisano, Councilman, Pueblo of Sandia Tribe, NM, Mark Van Norman, Executive Director, National Indian Gaming Association, and George Skibine, Acting Chairman, National Indian Gaming Association. The question and answer segment moderated by Roger Gros, Publisher of Global Gaming Business magazine.

A special introduction by Gay Kingman, long time communications specialist for Indian gaming, provided a rich glimpse into the history of NIGA and the work of the Indian gaming pioneers. She highlighted the humble beginnings of the National Indian Gaming Association, and the challenges of working with past administrations.

In his keynote address, Chairman Stevens said, "The Indian gaming industry is one of the most regulated, industries in the world. We continue to be one of the most structured, disciplined and hard working industries."

Stevens continued, "I am proud of the progressive success of tribal government gaming. We continue to move forward, because it is our number one priority to strengthen our communities and provide vital services to our members and further with the creation of 600,000 jobs in our industry, we are helping make America a better place."

G2E is the "premier international gaming trade show" and takes place annually at the Las Vegas, NV Convention Center. G2E 2009 was held November 17-19. The G2E industry trade show and conference draws over 30,000 gaming industry professionals to Las Vegas from all over the world. Industry professionals have opportunities to explore and discuss the latest innovations and future direction of the global gaming community. With tribal gaming a major economic development for most of the tribes throughout Indian Country, G2E offered tribal gaming industry leaders insight to the latest tools and resources available to remain competitive in the worldwide gaming community.

NIGA Honors Joe Garcia As He Finishes Term As NCAI President

PALM SPRINGS, CALIF. - National Indian Gaming Association (NIGA) Chairman Ernie Stevens, Jr., honored Joe Garcia who finished his term as National Congress of American Indians President during the 66th Annual NCAI Convention and Trade Show in Palm Springs on Oct. 11-16. Jefferson Keel, Lieutenant Governor of the Chickasaw Nation of Oklahoma will serve as Garcia’s successor.

Chairman Stevens said, “We want to thank President Garcia for his leadership and dedication to stand as warrior of strength on behalf of Indian country. I know his passion to serve does not end just because he is leaving his post of President. He will continue to be pivotal to continuing the critical agenda for the Indian people.

Serving as NCAI President since 2005, Garcia was a strong voice for Indian Country and worked tirelessly for the protection of Indian sovereignty. Garcia was also Governor of Ohkay Owingeh (formerly San Juan Pueblo) for two terms and continued to build on his leadership experience with NCAI. Previously, Garcia served two terms as NCAI’s First Vice President.

Stevens continued, “The trust people have in Garcia’s leadership is unquestionable, indicative of his two terms as governor of Ohkay Owingeh. During his tenure as NCAI President, Garcia and Indian Country faced the scourge of meth, battled budget cuts aimed at cutting Indian funding; and welcomed the start of new opportunities with the Obama administration.”

Garcia and NCAI partnered with countless tribes across the country for the protection of Indian sovereignty, including the National Indian Gaming Association. NIGA and NCAI worked in tandem to get legislation beneficial to Indian Country passed on the floors of the Senate and House. Beyond his leadership in the national arena, Garcia’s positive impact on New Mexico was highlighted on Oct. 15, which Gov. Bill Richardson proclaimed “President Joe Garcia Day” for the state.

“During the 109th Congress in 2006, President Garcia’s leadership proved invaluable as Indian Country came together to defend Tribal Sovereignty from attacks on Indian gaming. President Garcia brought NCAI together with NIGA and we held over 8 national meetings to develop a consensus in Indian Country and take our message to Congress.” Stevens told the crowd.

“Unity is what was called for at that critical juncture and President Garcia was there to provide the leadership and direction to protect the interests of Indian Country. We must never forget how taxing the 109th Congress was for Indian Country and how NCAI and NIGA came together and defended Tribal Sovereignty. Indian Country will always remember the dedication and leadership President Garcia showed during those trying times.“

That kind of recognition from state legislators and tribal leaders alike encompass the positive relationships Garcia cultivated from his many years of work throughout Indian Country. Never before has NCAI been primed for success with government-to-government relations with the White House. The Tribal Nations Conference at the White House on Nov. 5 will be Indian Country’s opportunity to meet with President Barack Obama personally to discuss issues affecting Native America.

In his final address to the NCAI membership, Garcia said the fight will continue for Indian Country and welcomed the new president. He thanked the membership for the camaraderie, respect and spiritual support over the years. “We’ll fight, we’ll fight and we’ll fight,” Garcia said. “We’re not going to lose the battle and we’re not going to lose the war.” From the beginning, the focus was for the protection of culture and language for Indian Country.

Garcia is current Chairman of the All Indian Pueblo Council, which serves the 19 pueblos of New Mexico. His term will be completed in 2011.

NMAI Presents Prism Award at NIEA

MILWAUKEE, WI -“Shaping the Wisdom of our Future Leaders” was the theme of the 40th Annual National Indian Education Association Conference in Milwaukee on Oct. 22-25. The conference featured educational workshops and forums on various subjects ranging from native language revitalization to a summit featuring tribal leaders.

Among the leaders speaking on the importance of quality education was National Indian Gaming Association Chairman Ernie Stevens Jr. Stevens who spoke on Oct. 23 and introduced his 99-year-old grandmother, Maria Hinton, during his speech. He said it was her teachings and repeated encouragement to preserve traditional language and culture has been echoed in so many young and in some cases older Oneida, many of which still call her grandmother to this day.

The National Museum of American Indians honored Hinton on Oct. 7, with the inaugural Prism Awards in Washington, D.C. She was selected as “an outstanding individual who has demonstrated extraordinary and innovative approaches to public service in their local community.” Stevens accepted the award on behalf of his grandmother who suffered a slight stroke days before and could not attend. Because of this, NMAI made the journey to the NIEA conference to honor Hinton on the main stage during Stevens’ address.

NMAI recognized Hinton as an educator and a pivotal person who has worked nearly 40 years to preserve the Oneida language. A tribal elder at the age of 99, she is one of three remaining fluent speakers, and she still teaches occasionally. She and her brother, Amos Christ John, developed the definitive dictionary of the Oneida language. The dictionary was digitized into a searchable online database that contains more than 34,000 words, including 900 sound files of pronunciation. Hinton was an original representative to the Wisconsin Native American Languages Project, which preserves the language and culture of the state’s five Indian tribes. She has recorded Oneida stories collected from her memory and other tribal elders and has been active with the Oneida Language Revitalization Program. She continued her work as an educator until she retired at the age of 92. Even in retirement she remains active continuing to teach.

“My grandma has been on the forefront of the battle for her entire life and is now one of the few elders in Indian Country who were born into a culture in which their native language was their first language,” Stevens said. “These people are treasured repositories of our culture and language.”

Stevens said, “The honor was a special day of generational recognition for the Oneida people.” Leida Rodriguez, also of the Oneida Tribe of Wisconsin, addressed the crowd prior to Stevens. At just 7 years old, Rodriguez, is Miss Yenikhulhaka’nyses [She Persuades Them] and represents the area schools as a youth assistant in cultural public presentations and is involved in learning her native Oneida language.

“To see the commitment to the preservation of our Oneida Nation language passed on through to today’s generation in children like Leida, brought about by the early works of my grandmother was truly inspiring,” Stevens said.

Stevens concluded, It was a great day for the Oneida youth at this national education conference. The Oneida Nation students concluded the morning with a powerful demonstration of the traditional long house music and dance. Maria Hinton sat by after receiving her award proud as they carried on the Oneida tradition.

Presidential Memorandum

FOR THE HEADS OF EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT AND AGENCIES

SUBJECT: Tribal Consultation

The United States has a unique legal and political relationship with Indian tribal governments, established through and confirmed by the Constitution of the United States, treaties, statutes, executive orders, and judicial decisions. In recognition of that special relationship, pursuant to Executive Order 13175 of November 6, 2000, executive departments and agencies (agencies) are charged with engaging in regular and meaningful consultation and collaboration with tribal officials in the development of Federal policies that have tribal implications, and are responsible for strengthening the government-to-government relationship between the United States and Indian tribes.

History has shown that failure to include the voices of tribal officials in formulating policy affecting their communities has all too often led to undesirable and, at times, devastating and tragic results. By contrast, meaningful dialogue between Federal officials and tribal officials has greatly improved Federal policy toward Indian tribes. Consultation is a critical ingredient of a sound and productive Federal-tribal relationship.

My Administration is committed to regular and meaningful consultation and collaboration with tribal officials in policy decisions that have tribal implications including, as an initial step, through complete and consistent implementation of Executive Order 13175. Accordingly, I hereby direct each agency head to submit to the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), within 90 days after the date of this memorandum, a detailed plan of actions the agency will take to implement the policies and directives of Executive Order 13175. This plan shall be developed after consultation by the agency with Indian tribes and tribal officials as defined in Executive Order 13175. I also direct each agency head to submit to the Director of the OMB, within 270 days after the date of this memorandum, and annually thereafter, a progress report on the status of each action included in its plan together with any proposed updates to its plan.

Each agency’s plan and subsequent reports shall designate an appropriate official to coordinate implementation of the plan and preparation of progress reports required by this memorandum. The Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy and the Director of the OMB shall review agency plans and subsequent reports for consistency with the policies and directives of Executive Order 13175.

In addition, the Director of the OMB, in coordination with the Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy, shall submit to me, within 1 year from the date of this memorandum, a report on more (OVER) 2 the implementation of Executive Order 13175 across the executive branch based on the review of agency plans and progress reports. Recommendations for improving the plans and making the tribal consultation process more effective, if any, should be included in this report.

The terms “Indian tribe,” “tribal officials,” and “policies that have tribal implications” as used in this memorandum are as defined in Executive Order 13175.

The Director of the OMB is hereby authorized and directed to publish this memorandum in the Federal Register.

This memorandum is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person. Executive departments and agencies shall carry out the provisions of this memorandum to the extent permitted by law and consistent with their statutory and regulatory authorities and their enforcement mechanisms.

BARACK OBAMA

Tribal Leaders Meet With Obama

With more than 400 American Indian and Alaska Native leaders in attendance, President Barack Obama made good on his promise to meet with Indian country. hosting the meeting was held at the United States Department of Interior on Thursday.

Deemed one of the largest and most widely attended gatherings of tribal leaders in American history, Obama opened the dialogue by promising tribal leaders that the meeting held would build upon the foundation of his Administration’s commitment to work with the First Americans in a true nation-to-nation relationship with respect for tribal sovereignty.

President Obama told the crowd, “I want you to know that I’m absolutely committed to moving forward with you and forging a new and better future together. It is a commitment deeper than our unique nation-to-nation relationship. It is a commitment to getting the relationship right so that you can be a full partner in the American economy and so your children and your grandchildren can have an equal shot at pursuing the American dream.”

President Obama followed by signing a memorandum directing all federal agencies to develop an improved tribal consultation plan within the next 90 days.

In opening his welcome to Tribal leaders, Obama smiled as he referred to his campaign visits to Indian country by speaking about being adopted into the Crow Nation in Montana. “Only in America could the adopted son of Crow Indians grow up to be President of the United States.”

National Indian Gaming Association (NIGA) Chairman Ernie Stevens, Jr. said, “President Obama is a man of his word. His dedication to honor Indian sovereignty, his respect for our treaties, and his actions towards developing a new nationto- nation policy, is a clear indication of that.”

“Obama’s has reaffirmed his Administration’s intent to forge a strong, more equitable partnership with Tribal nations. Now it is up to us. Tribal leadership must embrace this partnership and build upon it together. The results can only be positive. We can usher in new opportunities that will be to the advantage of Indian country, meeting the critical needs of our Indian people,” Stevens added.

Sitting in the company of the delegation representing the Haudenosaunee [Iroquois] people, including the Tadodaho of the Iroquois Confederacy, Chief Syd Hill, Stevens said, “Sitting along side some of the most powerful leaders in Indian country and in true dialogue with the Obama Administration was truly one of the greatest moments of my life.”

Chairman Stevens also sat with Rick Hill, Chairman of the Oneida Nation during the consultations with the White House. Stevens, a member of the Oneida Nation of Wisconsin continued, “Joining our [Oneida Nation] Chairman brought a greater strength to me. He is not only my friend, but a true advocate for Indian country.”

Stevens also commended the White House staff for the hard work in coordinating the historic Tribal Leaders meeting. “President Obama has placed experienced, dedicated and qualified Native American’s in his administration. They were successful in working hand in hand with Indian Country on behalf of the President of the United States to make this day a reality.”

Also participating in the meetings were Interior Secretary Ken Salazar, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, Commerce Secretary Gary Locke, Labor Secretary Hilda Solis, HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, Indian Health Service Director Yvette Roubideaux, Energy Secretary Steven Chu, Education Secretary Arne Duncan and EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson. This was an unprecedented collection of cabinet secretaries who came together to discuss important Tribal issues such as protection of natural resources, economic development, health, public safety, housing, and education.

At the end of the day, President Obama again addressed the gathered Tribal Leaders and said that this is not the end of the discussion, but merely the beginning of an ongoing dialogue with Indian Country.

Nike Air N7 Collection Takes Flight Today

WASHINGTON, D.C - November 7, 2009 - Nike, Inc. wants to encourage the youth of Native America to reap the benefits of fitness and sport. The Beaverton, Oregon-based sports and apparel company is so serious about this endeavor that it is launching the Nike Air Native N7 Collection, created to promote youth fitness and youth sport programs in Native American communities throughout the country. The shoe collection will officially be launched today/ Nov. 7, with funds to be designated for the N7 Fund, utilized for the Nike "Let Me Play on Native Lands Fund."

Recently, National Indian Gaming Association Chairman Ernest Stevens Jr. was appointed to the Nike Native Lands Fund Board of Directors. Stevens joins fellow board members Jacoby Ellsbury, Peter Buffet, Jack Burns, Tex Hall, Frank King, Wilson Pipestem, Orson Porter, Crystal Shawanda, Vanessa Short Bull, Victoria Wright and Sam McCracken. Stevens said he was proud to join such an exciting, dignified and diverse cast of leaders in the name of fitness and sport for Native American communities.

Sam McCracken, general manager of Native American Business for Nike, Inc., said Nike stores are loaded with shoes from the N7 collection. Models include men's and women's Air Pegasus, men's Huarache, boys and girls preschool and toddler shoes and an adult organic t-shirt. "Sport is a means to unleash human potential and establish a positive footprint," McCracken said.

Native American athletes have left their footprints all over the arena of sport for generations, from the athletic prowess of Jim Thorpe to the Olympic heroics of Billy Mills. Today's athletes like Jacoby Ellsbury or Brett Bucktooth have proven our communities are the new breeding ground for professional athletes. Further still, Olympic hopefuls like Alvina Begay, wait in the wings for the chance to push the Native American potential to the envelope and beyond. Nike wants to harness that energy for focused dynamics from native athletes on the playing field.

The Nike Air Native N7 was the result of nearly two years of collaborative research, development and fit testing in partnership with the Native American community. Boasting specifications created exclusively for Native American feet, Nike is confident the result is uniquely suited for a true Native American fitting performance product.

NIGA Chairman Ernie Stevens, Jr., said, "The Nike Air Native N7 marks another milestone in Nike's long-standing commitment to Native American communities. Profits from the sale of the Nike Air Native N7 will support "Let Me Play" programs on Native American lands that leverage sport to promote an active and healthy lifestyle, he added

The shoes bear the standard Nike performance-driven nomenclature: multi-colored heel tab, leather upper, feather designed sock liner, encapsulated Nike air bag, Nike + enabled, Native-Fit soles built specifically to foot and width shapes of Native American communities, and rubber outsoles produced from 10 percent recycled rubber content. Last and certainly not least, the shoes come standard with the distinctive Nike Swoosh.

As all Nike products, the Native N7 line embraces Nike's considered design ethos, where details in the development and design of the shoe are geared to deliver sustainable innovation and reduce waste, without compromising product performance. The Considered design ethos also honors the traditional Native American Seven Generation philosophy, an approach that respects the impact of decisions made today on seven generations. The shoe's design draws inspiration directly from Native American culture.

Information: www.letmeplayonnativelands.org or www.facebook.com/nikeN7.