(Editor’s note: This is the second installment of brothers Michael and Matthew Bland’s basketball blog series “Give and Go.” Read the introduction here.)
In 2000, Nike created a division to support health promotion and disease prevention by selling products specifically designed for Native American tribes. That division has grown into Nike N7 with specific footwear, the Air Native N7, and other apparel. All proceeds from the Air Native N7 are given to organizations that promote youth sports and physical activity in Indian Country.
The latest initiative from N7 was last month’s celebration of American Indian Heritage Month. The men’s basketball teams at Florida State, Oregon State, Nevada and New Mexico, and the women’s basketball team at Nevada wore new turquoise uniforms, the color of friendship, during games in November.
The game-worn uniforms from New Mexico’s game on Nov. 30 were auctioned off to benefit the Notah Begay III Foundation (NB3) and American Indian Student Services at the University of New Mexico.
Nike has recently expanded the N7 campaign to non-Native communities and young athletes inspired by N7 athlete ambassadors like golfer Notah Begay III (Navajo/Pueblo), quarterback Sam Bradford (Cherokee) or long distance runner Alvina Begay (Navajo).
The N7 collection is a reference to the tribal philosophy: In every deliberation we must consider the impact of our decision on the next seven generations.
N7 also provides grants of up to $10,000 from the N7 Fund for nonprofit organizations that exclusively serve Native American or Aboriginal communities, have a sports or activity focus and serve youth who are high school age or younger. Applications are due Dec. 31, 2013 and can be accessed at http://n7fund.com/apply/.