University of Montana's 4th 'Native Grizzly' Campaign

The University of Montana has selected Kendallynn Charging, a Missoula-based Indigenous artist, as the 2025 designer for the 'N7 Campaign' conducted in partnership with Nike. This campaign, now in its fourth year, is a project launched to honor the Indigenous culture and heritage of Montana.

Charging is a registered member of the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Tribes of North Dakota and was selected after submitting a design that combines the university's iconic Grizzly logo with traditional Indigenous symbols.

The Meaning Behind Golden Eagle Feathers and Turquoise Colors

Charging's design is characterized by the combination of the University of Montana's famous script Grizzly logo with golden eagle feathers. Golden eagle feathers are considered sacred symbols by many Indigenous tribes.

The color choices are also deeply meaningful. She blended the university's vintage copper with the current maroon and outlined all designs in turquoise. Turquoise holds significant meaning in many Indigenous cultures.

"Looking at past designs and seeing people wearing them, I thought it was really cool how support and awareness for the Indigenous community spreads. It's truly amazing," Charging said. She expressed her emotion upon hearing the selection news, saying she "cried a little."

Official Unveiling November 8, Featured on Basketball Team Uniforms

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

Starting next January, this design will be applied to the shooting shirts of the University of Montana's men's and women's basketball teams. Both teams will also wear Nike uniforms in turquoise colors. The men's basketball team will debut these uniforms at their January 24 home game, while the women's basketball team will do so on January 31.

Kent Haslam, University of Montana Athletic Director, stated, "The N7 basketball games are a season highlight for our student-athletes, coaches and staff. It's an honor to partner with Nike and local tribes to bring attention to cultures and histories that are important to Montanans."

Licensed Merchandise Sales Support Indigenous Events

Official Nike licensed products (t-shirts, hats, hoodies) featuring Charging's logo will be sold at Missoula's 'Go Griz Store,' 'Scheels,' and 'The M Store.' Various merchandise including tumblers, mugs, and bags will also be released.

Licensing proceeds will support the University of Montana's Kyiyo Pow Wow, one of the oldest student-led powwows (traditional Indigenous festivals) in the United States.

A Versatile Artist Working in Game Audio and E-Sports Art

Charging has been immersed in music and art since childhood, playing various instruments including cello, piano, guitar, and violin. She currently specializes in black-and-white acrylic painting and graphic design.

Notably, while playing video games with friends, she began audio mixing and has since been commissioned to create e-sports team artwork for teams across the United States.

Charging shared that working on the 'Native Grizzly' logo became a healing process during a personally difficult period earlier this year. "Seeing people wearing my design and watching basketball players wear it will feel so surreal. I still can't believe it. I'll have to see it to believe it."