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Each year in the U.S., nearly 5,000 high-school girls’ basketball players earn a full-ride Division I scholarship. In 1992, only one was Native American: Blackfeet Nation’s Malia Kipp. Living in two worlds presented challenges, but Kipp carried the burden with grace and grit. Described by her chief as “a warrior,” she blazed a heroic and inspiring trail for other Native girls to follow.
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Learn Moreabout PBS online sponsorshipHow to Watch Native Ball: Legacy of a Trailblazer
Native Ball: Legacy of a Trailblazer is available to stream on pbs.org and the free PBS App, available on iPhone, Apple TV, Android TV, Android smartphones, Amazon Fire TV, Amazon Fire Tablet, Roku, Samsung Smart TV, and Vizio.
About the Show
"Native Ball: Legacy of a Trailblazer" is an honest, emotional and uplifting portrait of a Native American woman whose success on and off the basketball court earned her the title of warrior by her chief and inspired many athletes following in her footsteps.
Blackfeet Nation’s Malia Kipp broke barriers when she became the first Blackfeet woman to earn a Division I full-ride basketball scholarship. Basketball was more than just a sport for Kipp – it was her ticket to a college education and a way to give back to her people.
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 and grit.
This award-winning film celebrates Native American achievement is an inspiration not only for Indigenous youth, but also for any young people facing an uphill climb.
Along the way, Malia shed light on the passion that many Native Americans have for the game of basketball.
"Native Ball" is about sports but so much more than that. It’s a powerful, positive portrayal of a Native American woman who commanded the court, earning the respect and admiration of not just her coach and teammates, but her beloved tribe as well.
(L-R) Carl Kipp, Malia Kipp, DeAnn Kipp, co-director/co-writer Jonathan Cipiti.
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Family Theater Productions
(L-R) University of Montana Lady Griz Coach Robin Selvig, Malia Kipp
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Family Theater Productions
Malia Kipp celebrating outside the Wilma Theatre in Missoula, Montana, during the 2023 Big Sky Documentary Film Festival.
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Family Theater Productions
(Top to bottom), Malia Kipp, co-director/co-writer Jonathan Cipiti.
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Family Theater Productions
Malia Kipp in her University of Montana Lady Griz letterman's jacket.
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Family Theater Productions
Malia Kipp posing with a basketball, in a skirt made by her mother.
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Family Theater Productions
(L-R) Blackfeet former Lady Griz players Shanae Gilham, Malia Kipp, Tamara Guardipee, Simarron Schildt, during filming.
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Family Theater Productions
(L-R, standing) Malia Kipp, Stephen Caserta, Jon Cipiti, Shanae Gilham and Tamara Guardipee, John Louis Caiella, Simarron Schildt. (L-R, kneeling), Megan Harrington, Hunter Meeks.
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Family Theater Productions
Teen Malia Kipp posing in her Browning, Montana, high school basketball uniform.
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Family Theater Productions
Malia Kipp blocking a shot while playing for the University of Montana Lady Griz.
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Family Theater Productions
Malia Kipp posing in her University of Montana Lady Griz uniform.
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Family Theater Productions
Child Malia Kipp wearing traditional Blackfeet garb, under a moon.
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Family Theater Productions
Child Malia Kipp wearing traditional Blackfeet garb.
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Family Theater Productions
Teen Malia Kipp posing in her Browning high school basketball letterman's jacket for a senior portrait.
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