When asked to create artwork for the latest N7 collection, designer Chelysa “Chief” Owens-Cyr leaned into her belief that art is medicine. The Nike KD 17 N7 "Dark Turquoise" Unisex Basketball Shoe keeps all the performance benefits of the original while showcasing her contemporary take on Native and Indigenous art that celebrates the interconnectedness between culture and nature. About the Designer Designer Chelysa “Chief” Owens-Cyr, a member of the Fort Peck Assiniboine and Sioux tribes and the Pasqua First Nation, is a self-taught, contemporary artist. Inspired by her Indigenous culture and community, she uses art as her voice to tell their stories. About the Design The latest N7 collection celebrates Native and Indigenous culture and its interconnectedness to nature as a way to preserve and showcase traditions for generations to come. Each piece uses digital art forms to create a contemporary take on traditional Lakota beadwork designs and ledger art stories. Speed and Comfort A big forefoot Air Zoom unit offers a different level of velocity, either on the run or out of a standstill position. It offers snappy pop when the game revs up. Springy foam helps you stay fresh 'til the final buzzer. Cushioned and Supportive The bottom layer of the upper has Nike Air cushioning at the heel to add a pop to your step. Cut Quickly The outsole pattern looks like a topographical map, with an array of contoured ridges that bend and deflect in multiple directions to provide traction for every move. Stable for the Court A supportive piece under the arch adds stability.