About
Ahó everyone, my name is Gray Warrior. My Ponca name is Nudá Áxa which means ‘Cries to go to war’.
I grew up in Oklahoma. I remember getting so excited to attend the powwows from the Ponca, Osage, Tonkawa, and Pawnee Nations. It’s an experience few people get to see outside our circle. The fresh air, the heavy beat of the drum circle, the jingle of dresses as the dancers walk by, the smell of fry bread and Indian tacos, and the wonderment you feel watching the fancy and straight dancers as they sore across the field in their regalia.
In those moments, you’re a part of something. Big or small in that moment you are a member of that tribe no matter what nation you come from.
I began my journey on the Tonkawa Rez. My mom, dad, and I had a little shack just off highway 60 in Oklahoma. We had moved to Ponca City a few years after and became a good part of the community until a car accident in 2001. My dad and I spent a few months in the hospital and in wheelchairs thereafter. It took a long time to walk again, but once I got started, you couldn’t stop me.
Unfortunately, due to the circumstances, we were forced to relocate to Lamont, OK. I experienced a lot of hardship, but it also made me the resilient person I am today. I spent my youth working for different farmers over the years, running cross country and track, and even experiencing life on an oil rig before going to college.
I owe a lot to Haskel Indian Nations University. Without it, I’m not sure if I would have ever left Oklahoma. After a year I transferred to The University of Kansas and fell in love with becoming a Jayhawk (I’m aware it’s a little like being in a basketball cult). I joined the ROTC program and the KU cycling team and instantly found my family. Even though Haskel was next door I still felt alone most of the time.
After college I moved to Colorado Springs CO. My ROTC path didn't pan out, but I ended up in an amazing state to restart and continue my career in higher education. After a few years I realized my true passion was photography and video production. I started a business but still felt like something was missing. After attending a few Native recruitment retreats in Oklahoma my eyes had opened again.
I wanted to start a company that represented the Native and Indigenous community in a healthy light while inviting everyone else to be a part it. I wanted to shed light on the tribes around us while moving away from the victim mentality in our path to success. It’s been a long journey, but I finally think we’re making progressive moves in our place in this country. Especially with representation in music, media, and major films. 2023 and 2024 have been pivotal in showcasing that Indigenous people are people and not just the “Native” characters we portray on the big screen.
That said, we have so much culture to bring to the table with our ceremonies, our music, and the way we communicate.
WAŽÁŽE 'SNAKE CLAN'
The Ponca were divided into Northern and Southern groups in the 1860’s The Northern people residing in their Nebraska homeland and the Southern staying on the reservation in Oklahoma. The Ponca belong to the Siouan language group, speaking in a specific dialect referred to as Dégiha. Similar to Omaha, Kansa, Osage, and Quapaw.
Before emigration, Ponca society was divided into seven gens or clans. We chose the Snake logo because my Father, Nudá Wag’ádagi (Chases His Enemies) is a part of the Snake Clan. To us, snakes are sacred—seen as our ancestors. They are meant to be left at peace as they roam, often misunderstood and feared by most people.
We created this brand because Natives—like snakes—are often misunderstood and perceived in a certain way. We wanted to create a space where all people feel welcome. Especially non-natives. Our goal is to invite you into our home, share the stories of our people, and become a member of the Wažáže.
"It's A Good Day To Die"
The Lakota war cry “Hoka hey!” means “It’s a good day to die.” Rather than expressing a desire for death, it reflects a warrior’s readiness, peace, and alignment with the Great Spirit—feeling blessed and prepared should life end that day. LIVE FOR TODAY.
"That's It. That's All We Got."
No, but seriously—like all my relatives, I grew up hearing this. Anytime we acted out, were rude, or up to no good, our friends, family, or elders would say, “Hey! Don’t be a shitass!” And that was usually enough to set us straight.
"Let's Go Then"
It’s pretty simple. Anytime you need to send it, just say SKODEN and take the leap. That’s all you need. Whether it’s a reminder to stop messing around, get after it, or simply get off the couch, SKODEN has your back. Whatever you do... SKODEN.
