U of Montana Already in Search of Next Great Indigenous N7 Artist

"The N7-inspired campaign has become a beloved UM tradition and a top-selling retail line in the last three years."

So says Goat Lamb, University of Montana chief licensing officer, who shared the excitement of once again calling for Native artist submissions that so richly illustrate the deep connection between UM and Montana’s tribal nations. And while the two "N7 Games" were barely a month ago, we anxiously await the arrival of the next inspirational logo.

UM News Service tells us that each year, the Montana Grizzly men's and women's basketball teams host N7-inspired games in partnership with Grizzly Athletics. The games are an opportunity for the UM to celebrate the contributions of its Native American students, employees and student athletes and community. The games also feature a display of Montana's tribal flags and a halftime Indigenous dance performance.

Artists are commissioned by the University. And the search is on for the artist whose interpretation of the iconic Griz logo will be showcased in the 2025-26 season. Artist submission deadline is Friday, March 21.

Submissions are reviewed by a University of Montana advisory committee, and a selection will be made by April. Proceeds from the Nike N7 line directly support UM’s Kyiyo Native American Student Association, which organizes and plans UM’s annual spring powwow, the Kyiyo Pow Wow – one of the country’s longest student-run powwows in the country.

The first three N7 Griz logo designers were:

>Benji Headswift, Northern Cheyenne, whose design include four feathers that represent each level of education one can earn in college.

>Lyle Omeasso, Blackfeet Nation, whose design included a circular design that represents the circle of life. The circle includes four distinct sections, representing the four directions and seasons. The design also represents a medicine wheel used in many traditional ceremonies.

>Kaylene Big Knife, Chippewa Cree, whose design reflected her time as child growing up on Montana’s Rock Boy’s Reservation among the sagebrush buttercup wildflowers.

If you are that NEXT artist, or know someone who could be, the entry form can be found here.