Native Ball: Legacy of a Trailblazer

Annually, nearly 5,000 high school girls basketball players earn full-ride Division I scholarships. In 1992, only one was Native American—Blackfeet Nation’s Malia Kipp. Living in two worlds presented challenges, and so did the pressure to succeed as a University of Montana Lady Griz. Through the support of her family and community, she carried the burden with resilience, grace, and grit. Described by her Chief as “a warrior,” she blazed a trail—and heroic legacy—for other Native girls to follow. This film and the attached support materials provide opportunities for students to explore the themes of community, adversity, courage, and legacy.