From Powwow Tables to a Movement: The Story of NTVS

- NTVS is a Native-owned streetwear brand that began at powwow vendor tables - Read the full NTVS story here.

NTVS didn’t start in an office.
It didn’t start with investors or a marketing plan.

It started at a folding table at powwows.

Long days. Early mornings. Loading shirts into bins. Talking with community. Listening. Learning what people wanted to wear — and what they wanted to represent.

From the very beginning, NTVS was never just about clothing.

It was about identity.
Pride.
Humor.
Resistance.
Culture carried forward through design.

Where It All Began

The earliest versions of NTVS lived at powwow vendor stands.

Designs were shaped by real conversations — rez life, family stories, Native humor, history, and the everyday experiences that rarely showed up in mainstream fashion.

There was no blueprint.

Just:

• creating

• printing

• selling

• showing up again the next weekend

Powwow by powwow, design by design, the brand slowly found its voice.

And people connected with it because it felt real.

Growing Beyond the Table

As support grew, so did the vision.

NTVS expanded from powwow stands into:

• full apparel collections

• artist collaborations

• limited releases

• a warehouse and production operation

• a growing team

But the heart never changed.

Every piece still starts the same way:
with story first.

Built With Artists. Built With Community.

NTVS has always worked closely with Native artists and creators.

The goal isn’t just to make clothing — it’s to:

• create opportunities

• amplify Native voices

• translate culture into modern design

Each drop carries pieces of:

• tradition

• humor

• resistance

• identity

That’s why the designs resonate.

They’re not trends.

They come from lived experience.

Why Native-Owned Matters

Representation in fashion hasn’t always included Native voices — especially Native-owned ones.

NTVS exists to help change that.

Supporting Native-owned brands means:

• keeping storytelling in Native hands

• supporting Native artists

• strengthening Native economies

• creating space for future generations

This is bigger than apparel.

It’s about visibility and ownership.

From Powwows to Across the Country

What started at vendor tables now reaches customers across the country.

Families. Athletes. Artists. Kids. Elders.

People wear NTVS not just because of how it looks — but because of what it represents.

A connection.

A statement.

A sense of belonging.

Still Community First

Even as the brand grows, powwows remain part of its DNA.

They’re where:

• ideas are tested

• conversations happen

• stories are shared

• community leads the direction

NTVS isn’t built from the top down.

It’s built from the ground up.

Always has been.

More Than a Brand

NTVS is:

• family-run

• culture-driven

• artist-supported

• community-rooted

It exists to tell stories through design and create pieces that people feel proud to wear.

Not just today.

But years from now.

Because culture isn’t a trend.

It’s something you carry.

And NTVS will always be built to carry it forward.

John Herrington, the first American Indian to travel to space

Famous astronaut John Herrington is also a proud member of the Chickasaw Nation, one of the biggest American Indian nations. In 2002, he made history by becoming the first Native American astronaut to visit space.

Herrington's voyage towards space started when he was a little boy and became fascinated with aviation. After serving in the Navy, he graduated from the United States Naval Academy with a degree in Aerospace Engineering before being chosen by NASA to become an astronaut.

Herrington set out on his historic journey as a member of the Space Shuttle Endeavour crew in November 2002. Herrington completed various scientific experiments and three spacewalks while in space. His mission served as a source of pride and inspiration for the Native American community and showed what can be accomplished with perseverance and hard effort.

His Chickasaw Nation's rich cultural traditions and legacy had a profound impact on Herrington's life and work. He has made public statements about how his Native American ancestry has shaped his outlook on life and the way he approaches his profession. "My background has taught me to appreciate and honor all people, to take care of our world, and to persist despite adversity," the man said.

The first Native American woman in space is Nicole Mann.

Former US Marine Nicole Mann now works for NASA as an astronaut. She is delighted to be a member of the Hualapai Tribe, one of the biggest American Indian tribes. In 2019, Mann made history by becoming the first Native American woman in space.

Mann's trip to space started with her time in the US Marine Corps, when she developed a reputation as an exceptionally talented aviator. She was chosen by NASA to join its astronaut corps after leaving the military, and in 2019, she visited the International Space Station as part of the crew of the Space Shuttle Endeavour.

The Native American community found pride and inspiration in Mann's historic mission, which showed what can be accomplished with perseverance and hard effort. Mann has made public statements about how her Native American origin has shaped her life and the way she approaches her profession, similar to Herrington. Her comments are "I take great pride in my tribal customs and ancestry. I'm hoping that my trip to space will serve as an example for others and show how much potential we all have."

Conclusion

The space missions of John Herrington and Nicole Mann are a testament to the remarkable accomplishments of Native Americans and the contributions they have made to science, technology, and the global community. Their experiences serve as an example of Native American communities' tenacity, tenacity, rich cultural legacy, and potential for greatness that everyone of us possesses.

The first collaboration is a collection inspired by a mask she made for us. We sent Heather a template of a mask to bead and we were able to replicate it into an amazing production run of premium adjustable masks. (Seen below) To go along with the masks we have a super cool women’s crop hoodie and a unisex long sleeve tee. These tops are screen printed on both arms and have a large front print with the artwork. We also are releasing a tee with the design on the front. All pieces are limited. Preorder April 1st 11AM CT

1.Who is sweetgrass beads?
Sweetgrass beads is cree artist Heather Stewart, who specializes in beadwork. Originally from the remote northern reserve Kashechewan, Ontario.

2.What inspired you to begin beading? And how long have you been doing it?
Growing up on the reserve a lot of women in my family made beadwork so it's just in my blood to follow their lead and keep with the traditions. I started beading really young, around 3 years old, my mother would set up a little beading station beside her when she was working and off I went. I've been beading now for over 30 years.

3. How did you find that you had the amount of patience necessary for beadwork?
I just love creating and I have so many ideas, it feels good being able to express myself through beadwork and bring out issues that are important to me. It's actually hard for me to stop sometimes, I could bead for 12 hours and only stop because my hands are sore.

4. Who or what have been your most important creative influences?
So I get really inspired when something starts blowing up within the native community, I love showing my native pride and making people laugh with some funny pieces now and then.

5. How has your business grown in the past year?
I'm blown away where my business is right now. Everyday I feel so grateful for all the love and kind words I've received from so many people. One of my favorite things to hear is when I've inspired someone to start beading because beading is healing in so many ways. 🖤

The Hominy Indians suited up some big time players like All-American John Levi (Arapaho). Allegedly, Jim Thorpe called him the greatest athlete he'd ever seen. With the game tied at six the All-American fullback took over at quarterback and tossed a 60-yard bomb right on the money for the score to lead the way to a 13-6 victory over the New York Giants.

We’ve recreated the iconic uniforms and designed a limited collection to pay tribute to this amazing team and story. The uniform has an authentic hand-sewn look. Features friction strips on the chest and patches on the arms to secure the football. Double stitched elbows and the number 27 is sewn onto the back to honor the year 1927 when they defeated the defending champion New York Giants.

Check out the collection here: www.thentvs.com

In many ways, Jim Thorpe was far more than merely a profoundly talented athlete; he was the face of a ground-breaking transition in the history of both American and international sports. As the first Native American to win an Olympic gold medal, Thorpe continues to be an icon and source of inspiration for countless young Native Americans – particularly those with athletic ambitions.

Born to a humble family on an Oklahoma reservation to a Sac and Fox father and a Potawatomi mother, Thorpe’s childhood was never an easy one. His early years were defined by frequent truancy from school; and before he reached adulthood, he would experience, in succession, the death of his twin brother to pneumonia, his mother to childbirth, and his father to blood poisoning.

This tumultuous start to his life, however, slowly began to turn around once Thorpe began attending the Carlisle Indian Industrial School in Pennsylvania at the age of sixteen. It was here that his considerable athletic abilities would draw the attention of Glenn “Pop” Warner, now considered one of the most influential figures in the history of American football coaching.

An oft-repeated story tells of how Thorpe first drew Warner’s attention when, during an impromptu session at the school’s high jump course, he managed a jump that shattered the school’s record while still in his work clothes. Since then, however, it became increasingly clear that Thorpe’s talents were most decidedly not limited to any particular form of track or field. The early years of outdoor rigour in the wilds of his reservation birthplace had fostered the growth of his physical capabilities; and throughout his time at Carlisle, Thorpe excelled at baseball, lacrosse, track and field, and even ballroom dancing, foreshadowing his legacy as one of the most versatile modern sportsmen. His favourite sport, however, would always be football; and before he left Carlisle, Thorpe’s contributions to the school’s football team were largely responsible for its victory in the collegiate championship.

From there, Thorpe experienced a rapid upward movement; and only a few short years after he left Carlisle, he would find himself in Stockholm, representing the USA in the 1912 Summer Olympics. His schedule in the games was a busy one, but would conclude with him winning two gold medals – bestowed upon him by King Gustav V himself – for the pentathlon and decathlon, both new additions to the Olympic programme.

Of course, even after this considerable achievement, Thorpe’s life and career were not without tumult. A few months after receiving his medals, it was discovered that, just prior to competing, Thorpe had played professional baseball, thus qualifying him as a pro athlete. Given that only amateur athletes were considered eligible for the Olympics at the time, the International Olympic Committee unanimously voted to strip Thorpe of his medals and titles. This decision was a highly controversial one, and several decades after Thorpe’s death, the ICO restored his medals and status; but it is often believed that this decision had a noteworthy impact on Thorpe’s recognition as a sports icon.

Nonetheless, Thorpe embraced his new title as a pro athlete, entering into the major leagues, and playing baseball for, among others, the New York Giants and the Cincinnati Red, and football for the Canton bulldogs. By the time he passed away in March of 1953, Thorpe had left an indelible mark on the American sporting landscape. 

Naturally, being the icon that he is, Thorpe’s story is one that has been told multiple times – most notably in the 1951 film Jim Thorpe – All American, in which he was portrayed by Burt Lancaster. However, Thorpe’s iconic status has not wavered a bit in the decades since; and as a result, a fresh filmic adaptation of his life is just around the corner, set to be titled Bright Path: The Jim Thorpe Story. Deriving its title from Thorpe’s native name, Wa-Tho-Huk– translated as “a path illuminated by a great flash of lightning”, but often simplified to “Bright Path” – the film will be produced by Angelina Jolie, with Martin Sensmeier set to star as Thorpe. Sensmeier, born in Alaska and of mixed Tlingit, Koyukon and Athabaskan descent, rose to prominence in recent years with his starring roles in the 2016 remake of The Magnificent Seven and the hit HBO TV series Westworld.

A number of Indian Country tribes, as well as members of Thorpe’s family, have been approached by the producers to help finance the film and ensure its accuracy and authenticity.

The film’s announcement has been met with considerable enthusiasm by tribal representatives, who have hailed it as a promising opportunity to bring the legacy of an iconic Native individual, as well as the experiences of the modern Native people in general, to the attention of the American public.

“As Native Americans, it is crucial that we tell our own stories,” said Kevin Brown (“Red Eagle”), chairman of the Mohegan tribe. “Thorpe’s is a vital one, and Bright Path will break barriers. For the first time, a major motion picture about a Native man, starring a Native man, will be made and released to a broad general audience. We couldn’t be prouder to be a part of it.”

“At its core, Bright Path is a powerful human rights story,” said Robert Williamson, clan leader of the Sac and Fox Nation, among which Thorpe was raised.“It will help the nation understand our people and our struggle.”

And to coincide with this fresh emergence of Jim Thorpe’s iconic legacy into the public conscience, a fresh range of Jim Thorpe shirts will be released to commemorate this legendary sportsman. Help ring in the new Jim Thorpe craze by purchasing one of the new tees soon to be released!

References:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_Thorpe

https://www.cmgww.com/sports/thorpe/

https://www.notablebiographies.com/St-Tr/Thorpe-Jim.html

https://www.ducksters.com/biography/athletes/jim_thorpe.php

Columbus took sale in 1492 not to prove the earth was flat but to search for fortune and wealth. When Columbus arrived in the Bahamas, he immediately went to work looking for gold and enslaving the Native population (Arawaks). The Arawaks were so hospitable with a desire to share. They came out of the forests bearing gifts. Columbus wrote this in his journal,

You would think after reading that the Arawaks were so full of love and without greed, Columbus would be grateful and treat them well. Sadly, quite the opposite. Columbus looked at it differently and thought they were so naive that he could do whatever he pleased with them. He would soon go on to beat, rape, torture and enlist them as slaves. The Arawaks had gold studs in their ears so he rounded many of them up to lead him to where the gold was. This led him to present day Haiti. They found specks of gold in the river but nothing like what he was expecting. Instead of filling his ships up with gold, he filled them up with a different currency — slaves.

When slavery did not pay off., Columbus turned to a tribute system. He forced the Taino (Haiti) people (14 and older) to fill a hawk’s bell with gold every three months. If successful, they were safe for another three months. If not, he would order them to be punished by having their hands chopped off or chased down by attack dogs. They would then make the punished victims wear the hands around their necks. Bartolome de las Casas wrote, “The tribute system was impossible and intolerable.”

According to the journals, Columbus and his crew bragged about how they would break the women. Taking away their will to resist by raping them over and over again. Columbus wrote,

Columbus would leave and then return to the New World with cannons and more attack dogs. If a native resisted slavery, he would cut off a nose or an ear. If slaves tried to escape he would have them burned alive. If the crew (Spaniards) ran short of meat to feed the dogs, Native babies were killed for dog food. (Source: Huffington Post)

In a single day the Spanish soldiers dismembered, beheaded, or raped 3000 native people. “Such inhumanities and barbarisms were committed in my sight as no age parallel,’ De Las Casas wrote. “My eyes have seen these acts so foreign to human nature that now I tremble as I write.”

Experts agree that within 20 years of Spanish arrival, Columbus and his men were responsible for the deaths of more than 3 million Indigenous Natives.

Gen·o·cide noun the deliberate killing of a large group of people, especially those of a particular ethnic group or nation.

Check out some of the other old Looney vids for more reasons to buy this tee :) 

““Such treaties may be alright for men who are too old to hunt or fight. As for me, I have my young warriors about me. We will hold our land.” ”

Dragging Canoe (ᏥᏳ ᎦᏅᏏᏂ, pronounced Tsiyu Gansini, "he is dragging his canoe") (c.1738–February 29, 1792) was a Cherokee war chief who led a band of disaffected Cherokee against colonists and United States settlers in the Upper South.

During the American Revolution and afterward, Dragging Canoe's forces were sometimes joined by Upper Muskogee, Chickasaw, Shawnee, and Indians from other tribes/nations, along with British Loyalists, and agents of France and Spain. The series of conflicts lasted a decade after the American Revolutionary War. Dragging Canoe became the preeminent war leader among the Indians of the southeast of his time. He served as war chief of the Chickamauga Cherokee (or "Lower Cherokee") from 1777 until his death in 1792, when he was succeeded by John Watts.

Legacy

Dragging Canoe is considered by many to be the most significant Native American leader of the Southeast. Historians such as John P. Brown in Old Frontiers, and James Mooney in his early ethnographic book, Myths of the Cherokee, consider him a role model for the younger Tecumseh, who was a member of a band of Shawnee living with the Chickamauga and taking part in their wars. In Tell Them They Lie, a book written by a direct descendant of Sequoyah named Traveller [sic] Bird, both Tecumseh and Sequoyah are stated to have been among his young warriors.

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NATIVE NAME: Tsi'yu-gunsini

ENGLISH NAME: Dragging Canoe; Andrew Brown

ALTERNATE NAMES:Cui Canacina, Savage Napoleon, Dragon (so called by his enemies).

ALTERNATE SPELLINGS: Cheucunsene, Kunnese

MEANING OF NAMES:

• Tsi'yu-gunsini - Canoe (tsi'yu), He is Dragging It (gunsini).
• Dragging Canoe - According to Cherokee legend, his name is derived from an incident in his early childhood in which he attempted to prove his readiness to go on the warpath by hauling a canoe, but he was only able to drag it.

BIRTHPLACE / DATE: Attakullakulla resided in the village of Tenase through 1755 so this is likely the place of Dragging Canoe's birth. Dragging Canoe was said to be a few years older than his cousin Nancy Ward (born 1738), daughter of Tame Doe who was the sister of Attakullakulla, Dragging Canoe's father. Estimated date of birth: 1740.

RESIDENCE: Tellico, and Chota, E. Indian Nation, Tennessee. Later, at the outbreak of the American Revolution, Dragging Canoe moves families downriver to Chickamauga and Chattanooga and Running Water Creek (now Whiteside), and Upper and Lower Towns

DEATH DATE / LOCATION: He died March 1, 1792, in Running Waters, Tennessee from exhaustion or an apparent heart attack after dancing all night celebrating the recent conclusion of an alliance with the Muskogee and the Choctaw. He also had a very small cut from a rifle ball on his side that went unattended and became infected. It was normal after each battle that the Chief and his warriors dance and gave thanks to Yowa (God, Creator) for a great victory. This would go on for several days and nights.

BURIAL PLACE: In traditional Cherokee style he was buried in a sitting position, his possessions heaped around him.

http://www.aaanativearts.com/cherokee/dragging-canoe.htm

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The DAPL or the Dakota Access Pipeline is proposed to transport crude oil through the North Dakota Bakken region all the way into Illinois. The pipeline will cut through 50 counties across 4 states. While this sounds may sound innocent enough it potentially poses a major issue within the surrounding Native American communities.

Despite protest, sit-ins, and letter writing and a presidential review the pipeline is still scheduled to be constructed. Once fully constructed this pipeline will transport 570,000 barrels of crude oil a day. To make matters worse according to experts "It's not a matter of when a pipeline will malfunction, but when." The current route of the pipeline takes it through farmland, forests, and major rivers. The risks for water contamination is very high. Some rivers potentially affected is: The Big Sioux, the Missouri, and the Mississippi. 

7.5% Of Native American Homes Lack Safe Drinking Water

The pipeline also cuts deep into sacred Native American lands. Read our most recent article if you are not familiar with the Native American water crisis and the dangers of contaminated water. Fortunately, there are several groups fighting the DAPL. Rezpect our water staged a 500 mile relay race in protest and has managed to gain 160,000 signatures opposing its construction including some famous celebrities such as, Leonardo Dicaprio. 
Together we can fight back and enact change.

We have joined the fight against the Dakota Access Pipeline on sacred Native American lands. Our limited edition release is dedicated to raising awareness of the growing concern over compromised water supplies. Our join or die tee pulls inspiration Benjamin Franklin's iconic image that was circulated to encourage former colonies to unite under British rule. So too must Native American tribes unit to protect our communities. 

Be sure to visit Rezpect our water and sign the petition. Show your support against the DAPL and purchase one of our limited edition T-shirts. A portion of all proceeds will be donated to help fight the water crisis.

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If you haven't been living under a rock lately then you are familiar with the recent water crisis in Flint rock Michigan. But unfortunately there are other water crisis that are not getting the proper attention they deserve.  

What most people may not realize is many Native American communities have compromised water supplies. Tainted water supplies are not limited to Flint Michigan this is not a new issue. One such incident the federal government was aware of but did not intervene properly was Sebring, OH water crisis. Officials are calling it the next Flint with its water crisis. Elevated levels of lead and copper were found within the towns water supply and the water treatment operator was slow to intervene.  

To put the water problem in perspective the acceptable level of lead in water is 15 parts per billion. In Sebring, OH the lead in the water supply was 21 parts per billion. For those unfamiliar with the hazardous side effects of lead it has a host of ill effects. Lead poisoning can cause developmental delay, learning problems, and a severe decline in mental functioning.

For the western U.S tribes water contamination has unfortunately become a way of life. The Navajo Native American communities have been dealing with contaminated drinking water since the early 1950's. This was largely due to uranium mining and coal mining. To add to the issue there are currently over 15,000 toxic abandoned uranium mines throughout the US. A large portion of these mines are on federal and tribal lands as well. A Navajo community has been twice exposed to the legally allowable limit of uranium in their tap water.  

Conveniently enough there is no law requiring any sort of comprehensive cleanup of abandoned uranium sites. To make matters worse politicians routinely make deals with large mining corporations that will compromise Native American water supplies. Senator John McCain signed a defense bill that gave sacred Apache land to a mining company. There copper mining procedures would go on to poison the surrounding water supplies. 

While Government officials have been forced to act in the Flint, Michigan situation there has been a grotesque disregard for Native American water supplies. As a result, the contamination of water in Native American water supplies continues on with little opposition.

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Inspired by Andy Payne

Through much adversity, Andy Hartley Payne went on to win the formidable Trans-American Footrace in 1928. Put together by the route 66 Association and sly promoter, Charles Pyle. The race was over 3,000 miles across the country. However, despite how grueling it was many reporters did not take the competition too seriously and fondly dubbed it the 'Bunion Race'.

That didn’t dissuade Andy Payne though with a $25,000 cash prize at stake he had an opportunity to save his family farm and provide for his family. Throughout high school, it was reported Andy Payne practiced by running to school 5 miles from his family farm.

When the race started there were over 275 runners. However, by the third day over half dropped out. However, Andy Payne kept pushing forward at a formidable pace.

He ran the 3,423.5 miles (5,509.6 km) route from Los Angeles to New York City, much of it along U.S. Route 66, in 573 hours, 4 minutes, 34 seconds, (23 days) averaging 6 miles per hour over an 84 day staged run.

This particular design pay homage to Andy Hartley Payne, who had the courage and perseverance to endure when others could not.

Native Mount Rushmore Design

Few know the history behind the creation of Mount Rushmore. It is a story of struggle and to some, desecration. The location of Mount Rushmore in the Black Hills are considered sacred land to the Lakota Sioux. For some, the four presidents carved into the hill embody a sort of negative symbolism. As the Sioux never had much luck in dealing with early European settlers.

According to the Fort Laramie Treaty of 1868, Mount Rushmore was constructed on land that was supposed to belong to American Indians forever. However, once gold was discovered within the mountain the treaty was soon scraped and the inhabiting Native Americans were relocated to reservations.

According to the Lakota, Mount Rushmore isn't just a sculpture or art they have a disdain for. It is a piece of art they dislike that has been forcibly carved into their church.

Be sure to act fast and order your shirts as all our lines are limited and sell out quick!

Read more to learn about the inspiration behind our new line.

Most people not familiar with Native American culture may associate the totem pole with all Native Americans. However, this is not factual. As a matter of fact like the teepee only a specific grouping of Native Americans constructed these works of art. The Totem Pole was constructed by the Native Americans that resided in the Northwest Coast. 

Pacific Northwest Coasts 

Complete with stunning ridges bristling with firs shoulder into the cascading sea. Rain laps the twisting rivers drowned at their mouths. Footholds for human habitation is narrowed by an army of dark-green forests. As a result of geographical location, this area gave birth to a distinct culture within the Indigenous population. 

To Europeans of the time, the Northwest Coast Indigenous people appeared as an anomaly complete with Totem Poles and potlatches. However, when you look closer we can see this area was the center of its hemisphere. Drawing ideas and technologies from Asia and American and reworking them under its own clearly articulated values. 

Distinctive Culture of the Northwest Coast 

Despite the difficulties of archaeological investigations along the coast the outlines of the culture in this area has been mapped sufficiently to show that historic cultural patterns have been well developed. As a matter of fact, the culture has been well developed since the stabilization of the sea level around 3000 B.C. In addition, many distinct traits go back to the first millennium B.C. Evidence suggest that the Northwest Coast cultural pattern were forged by the ancestors of the Wakashan and Salish communities. The populations distinct style of life was largely influenced by environmental factors. 

Cultural Pattern Among the Northwest Coast 

Respectfully there was a single basic cultural pattern among the region. This pattern included reliance upon fish and sea mammals, which were supplemented by shellfish, deer, and other land game. These included birds, berries, roots, and seeds.  

Individual and autonomous villages organized on the basis of lineages, recognized an upper class and commoners. All managed by a chief assisted by aides and a doctor. All with the interest in the accumulation of wealth, which was counted in standard units of value.   

Totem poles were sculptures carved on poles or posts hence their name. They included symbols or figures made of trees from the region mostly red cedar. The carvings and figurines symbolized a variety of cultural beliefs helps within the region. These included familiar legends, clans lineages or other important events.   

The Totem Pole in Native American Culture 

Occasionally, totem poles would serve as signs for visitors to the village or a mortuary vessel for the deceased ancestors. There is evidence to support that Totem Poles carvings were preceded by a long history of decorative carvings, that contained stylistic features from other prototypes. Due to economic restraints and inefficient tools, the totem poles likely did not appear in abundance until around the early 1900's. 

The totem poles were typically carved from rot-resistant trees (referred to as giant cedar or western red cedar), which eventually decayed due to the region's moist and rainy climate. Due to these conditions, few totem poles remain before the 1900's. 

Along the Northwest Coast, totem poles served as important depictions of family lineage and the cultural heritage of the native peoples who lived within the region.