The latest Nike N7 Collection is a powerful tribute to Indigenous culture and its vital connection to nature. The collection seamlessly blends heritage with a forward-thinking vision that promotes self-expression and empowerment for the next generation of Native youth.
It features a full range of men’s and women’s apparel, as well as exclusive colorways of the iconic Nike Dunk Low and KD17 basketball shoes. Each piece in the collection is deeply rooted in Indigenous history, while also looking to the future and amplifying the voices of a generation yearning for representation.
To ensure the voices of Indigenous youth resonate throughout the apparel collection, Nike partnered with acclaimed young artist Chelysa “Chief” Owens-Cyr. A member of both the Fort Peck and Pasqua First Nations, Chief masterfully blends the beauty of nature with modern aesthetics, reimagining traditional Native art for a contemporary audience.
Inspired by the rich heritage of beadwork and ledger art, a unique narrative art form that uses ledger books as its canvas, Chief’s designs infuse the Men’s Club Fleece, Long-Sleeve Dri-FIT T-Shirt and DNA Shorts with the essence of her homeland, culture and community. This influence translates beautifully into the women’s Essential Mock long-sleeve top, with each piece reflecting Chief’s personal connection to her tribes.
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Most notably, the Club Fleece and Essential Mock Top feature a mirrored geometric design that embodies the Lakota philosophy of “as above, so below,” signifying the interconnectedness of the earthly and spiritual realms. The central triangles represent the four seasons and cardinal directions, promoting balance on an emotional, mental, physical and spiritual level. The horizontal extensions of the design symbolize the eagle, a revered figure in Native culture.
“I want Native youth to feel seen, empowered and strengthened by this collection,” explains Chief. “It bridges the gap between traditional wear and modern clothing, drawing inspiration from what you’d find in beadwork and incorporating it into contemporary styles. Sharing my culture and voice with the world, not just Indigenous communities, feels like a true representation of my people. The Lakota term ‘Mitakuye Oyasin’ perfectly encapsulates this collection’s spirit – we are all connected, all relatives, all one.“
The N7 Collection extends beyond apparel with a stunning turquoise colorway for the KD17 basketball shoe, NBA icon Kevin Durant’s fourth N7 signature model. The shoe features an embroidered N7 logo on the tongue and a Lakota/Dakota geometric pattern on the left heel, symbolizing themes of ancestry, strength and cultural heritage. The Dunk Low echoes the turquoise colorway and further solidifies the collection’s thematic unity with subtle N7 nods on the tongue.
Nike’s commitment to uplifting Indigenous athletes and fostering representation for the next generation is evident in the selection of basketball player Alissa Pili as the face of the N7 campaign.
The launch of the collection strategically coincides with Native American Heritage Month and the opening of grant applications for the Nike N7 Fund. Beginning in 2022, Nike will invest a consistent $625,000 annually in N7 Fund grants, administered by CAF America, to support nonprofit organizations that are committed to the future of youth sports in Native communities. This commitment builds on Nike’s longstanding legacy of supporting Indigenous communities, with more than $12.1 million in grants distributed to over 300 organizations since 2009. Nonprofits are encouraged to apply for N7 Fund grants before the January 6, 2025 deadline.
This season’s Nike N7 Collection is now available globally at nike.com and select retail locations.
