BIE and Nike Enter MOU to Promote Healthy Lifestyles

Assistant Secretary-Indian Affairs Larry Echo Hawk announced last week a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) and Nike, Inc.

Under the MOU, signed on May 12, the two have agreed to collaborate on promoting healthy lifestyles and choices for all American Indians/Alaska Natives through program activities, like co-sponsored educational/information events, marathons and sports demonstrations.

They have also agreed to collaborate to improve communications with tribes and tribal organizations in the exchange of information relevant to healthy lifestyles to combat diseases such as diabetes, which affects nearly 13 percent of the AI/AN population.

Nike has been working with tribal communities for about 10 years, which includes providing grants for sports and physical fitness programs.