KarunaNews Story

In October, the second annual Modern Matriarch Skate Jam brought Navajo girls and women together in a celebration of sisterhood, sports, and community. Hosted by Indigenous actress Jessica Matten, star of Rez Ball and Dark Winds, in partnership with 4KINSHIP’s Dine Skate Garden Project, the event took place at Two Grey Hills Skate Park in New Mexico and focused on empowering Indigenous women and girls through skateboarding, offering prizes and fostering friendships. This year’s skate jam coincided with Indigenous Peoples Day—a day dedicated to honoring Native history, resilience, and culture. The event raised funds to build a second skate park on the Navajo Nation reservation, giving more children access to the sport and nurturing the next generation of Indigenous athletes. “What makes it unique is that we got sponsored by a Native matriarch, Jessica Matten,” Amy Denet Deal of 4KINSHIP shared, highlighting the importance of having a strong Indigenous role model involved. “It’s a modern matriarch actually supporting our young girls. I was floored.”