Celebrity Guest to Join Indigenous Community of Navajo Nation to Celebrate Diné Skate Garden World Opening
Community members, advocates including Navajo Nation President Dr. Buu Nygren to celebrate transformative space for indigenous community
New Mexico – On Monday, April 10, the Diné Skate Garden Project will host the official World Opening celebration for the Diné Skate Garden, an inclusive public skatepark and community space that was envisioned by Diné-owned sustainable artwear brand 4KINSHIP and built with members of the community. With support from partners including Tony Hawk’s organization, The Skatepark Project, and Jewel’s Inspiring Children Foundation, the Diné Skate Garden Project is intended to support and empower the next generation of Diné skateboarders.
The World Opening will be a community celebration of the Diné Skate Garden as a meaningful gathering place for outdoor recreation and reflection for generations to come. During the event, more than 200 Navajo Nation kids and community members will gather with Diné skaters Di’Orr Greenwood, Peyton Alex, and Shawn Harrison, as well as Diné-owned Enchantment Skate Shop for a morning of local art, food, and skateboarding mentorship. A special celebrity guest will join the community to celebrate the opening – please reach out for more information under embargo.
The Diné Skate Garden Project was conceived as a celebration of the strength of the community of “Tóhaaliní” (Where the Water Flows Out) located in the Toadlena/Two Grey Hills chapter of the Navajo Nation. This Diné community is nestled in the Chuska Mountains between Shiprock and Gallup. In this remote area of Navajo Nation there previously was no public recreation space to safely gather; during the pandemic this was especially hard on the children and young residents in the community. In recognition of their resilience in the face of a pandemic that had a devastating impact on the Navajo Nation, the Diné Skate Garden Project is committed to the health and wellness of future generations of Diné people who for centuries have shown incredible strength in the face of adversity.
In addition to The Skatepark Project, Inspiring Children Foundation, and Wonders Around the World, organizations including Ginew, Fifth Pocket Skate Parks, DC Shoes, Vans, CORE (Community Organized Relief Effort), Dig Deep, and World Central Kitchen lent invaluable support and partnership to bring the Diné Skate Garden Project to the community.
Event Details
WHAT: World Opening celebration for the Diné Skate Garden will include skateboarding mentorship, an art fair, local food vendors, live singing, and addresses from President of Navajo Nation Dr. Buu Nygren, Diné skater Di’Orr Greenwood, and a celebrity guest skater.
WHO: Local Navajo Nation youth and Diné skate mentors.
Diné skaters Di’Orr Greenwood, Shawn Harrison, Enchantment Skateshop
Dr. Buu Nygren, President of the Navajo Nation
Benjamin Anderson Bashein, Executive Director of The Skatepark Project
Professional skaters John Gardner and Louie Lopez
Diné Artist Neon Nativez
Amy Denet Deal, Diné founder of 4KINSHIP
Special celebrity guest – RSVP for info under embargo
WHEN: April 10th, 2023
10:00 AM MST – 1:00 PM MST
WHERE: Diné Skate Garden Project
