Skyler flys over his favorite local bowl in SoCal

Skyler is a tribal member of the Akimel O'otham (river people) Nation, also known as the Gila River Indian Comminity, and currently resides in Southern California."The history of what happened at Wounded Knee is just one example of what happened to most, if not all tribes, who just wanted to keep their connection to their land and culture strong. Skateboarding gives me the freedom to be myself and riding a Wounded Knee board just motivates me to skate even harder." Skyler said he is riding because he also wants to honor the Lakota men, women and children who were killed at Wounded Knee."No matter what tribe we are from we are all connected." Skyler participated in the first All Nations Skate Jam in Albuequerque, New Mexico in the spring of 2007 in the 6 to 12 intermediate division. He skated in true warrior spirit as the only skater in his division opting to skate the 9 foot concrete combi bowl instead of the street course for his contest run. He made us proud, not for his first place finish, but for symbolizing the new hardcore skate generation of native youth with natural style and flow, and in the process destroying any negative stereotypes people may have of native kids' abilities or attitudes.

Travis McCormac

Dave "Science" Maxwell



Chickenhawk


Big Tim


Big Tim over Chickenhawk


Smiley


Merk


Sid "The Package" Abruzzi