Former Nike N7 founder launches Native youth wellness nonprofit

Former Nike executive Sam McCracken announced the launch of the Sam McCracken Youth Project, a Native-led nonprofit focused on advancing mental, physical and cultural wellness for Indigenous youth, according to Underscore Native News. McCracken, a citizen of the Fort Peck Sioux Tribe, introduced the program at the Reservation Economic Summit hosted by the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development.

The program aims to serve more than 5,000 Native youth across 30 tribal communities in its first five years by combining culture, community and athletics. Organizers said the initiative will bring programming directly into communities to reduce barriers to access. The group plans to host its first event in June at the University of Montana in Missoula and will include Indigenous athletes to support mentorship and representation, according to Underscore Native News.