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Iceon Dale, 29, from Farmington, stands on the ledge Monday during the second Modern Matriarchs Skate Jam at Two Grey Hills Skate Park. Photo: Donovan Quinterro / for the Albuquerque Journal

Monday marked the second annual Modern Matriarch Skate Jam that brought together Navajo girls and women in a celebration of sisterhood, sports, and community in the state of New Mexico, United States.

This year’s skate jam coincides with Indigenous Peoples Day—a day dedicated to honoring Native history, resilience, and culture. The event will raise 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.

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.

Amy Denet Deal of 4KINSHIP said it was important to have a strong Indigenous role model involved.

What makes it unique is that we got sponsored by a Native matriarch. It’s a modern matriarch actually supporting our young girls. I was floored. -Amy Denet Deal

Denet Deal said having a visible and successful Native woman like Matten champion the event adds layers of significance, amplifying the message that Indigenous women can thrive in sports and in their communities.

Since its inception, 4KINSHIP’s Dine Skate Garden Project has focused on increasing access to skateboarding for Navajo youth. Over the past year, Denet Deal and her team have distributed thousands of skateboards to Indigenous children. At Monday’s skate jam, 150 skateboards were slated to be distributed to children between the ages of 8 and 16, to give them the opportunity to skate and build their skills.

We want our kids to have the same level of events as they would in California or other urban areas with robust skate cultures…We want to have more outside skaters coming in and hosting them on Navajo Nation, Get out there. We’re here to support you. It doesn’t matter whether you win a first prize or just show up—we’re there to celebrate you. Skateboarding is about more than just competition; it’s about having fun, making friends, and building a community of support. - Amy Denet Deal