College Sports Campaign Honoring Indigenous Culture

The University of Montana has selected a design by Indigenous artist Kendallynn Charging as the fourth installment of its Native Griz campaign.

The design features a combination of the University of Montana's Griz logo and golden eagle feathers. Golden eagle feathers are considered sacred symbols by many Indigenous tribes.

Charging is an artist from the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara tribes of North Dakota who resides in Missoula, Montana. She expressed her appreciation, saying "It's really cool to see this kind of support and recognition for the Native community."

Debut at November Football Game

Charging's design will be officially unveiled at the Native American Heritage Game football match on Saturday, November 8.

Starting next January, the design will also be featured on shooting shirts for the Montana men's basketball team and Lady Griz women's basketball team. Both teams will wear turquoise-colored Nike uniforms.

• Men's basketball game: Saturday, January 24 at 4 PM
• Women's basketball game: Saturday, January 31 at 2 PM

Kent Haslam, University of Montana Athletic Director, emphasized that "N7 basketball games are always a season highlight" and "an opportunity to spotlight culture and history that are so important to the Montana region."

Significance of Design Colors

Charging's design combines the University of Montana's vintage copper color with its current maroon. All design elements are outlined in turquoise, a color that holds great significance in many Indigenous cultures.

License Revenue Supports Powwow Event

Nike official licensed merchandise featuring Charging's logo—including t-shirts, hats, and hoodies—can be purchased at Go Griz Store, Scheels, and The M Store in Missoula. Various other products such as cups, mugs, and bags are also available.

License revenue will support the University of Montana's Kyiyo Pow Wow. This event is one of the oldest student-led powwows (traditional Indigenous gatherings) in the United States.

Artist Kendallynn Charging

Charging grew up playing various instruments including cello, piano, guitar, and violin. In visual arts, she specializes in black and white acrylic painting and graphic design.

She shared, "It will be surreal to see people wearing my design and basketball players in it. Even now it's hard to believe. I think I'll have to see it to believe it."

Charging connects with the world through art and music, continuing her creative work while gaming with friends and mixing music.