Left to Right: Kyson Samson, Ross Henderson | Photo: Rubie Fontanilla
Ross Henderson Appoints Indigenous Student-Athlete Kyson as Brand Ambassador
Calgary, Alberta - February 9, 2025 - Indigenous artist Ross Henderson, the creative force behind the Ross Henderson Native Arts brand, has named Kyson Samson, an Indigenous student-athlete from Wolf Creek Public School - Ponoka Secondary Campus, as an official Brand Ambassador.
Kyson, a competitive basketball player, is preparing to travel to Spain as part of an upcoming international athletic opportunity. His appointment reflects a shared commitment to leadership, cultural pride, and the importance of creating visible pathways for Indigenous youth.
Kyson's participation in the Spain program is possible through community-based support. Financial contributions from Metrax Indigenous, in partnership with The Rotary Club, helped offset travel costs associated with the trip. The support is referenced in a recent Wolf Creek Public Schools announcement highlighting expanded Indigenous programming and partnership s aimed at improving access and opportunity for Indigenous students.
As a Brand Ambassador, Kyson will represent the values reflected in Ross Henderson's work - responsibility, discipline, and respect for Indigenous identity -while continuing to focus on his academic and athletic development.
The ambassadorship includes participating in selected storytelling and outreach initiatives, public representation aligned with the brand's values and engagement in youth-focused activities where schedules allow. The role has been structured to ensure Kyson's education and athletic commitments remain the priority, which is the same for all of Ross Henderson's Brand Ambassadors.
"Kyson's journey is a reflection of what happens when opportunity meets effort," said Ross Henderson. "This is about recognizing leadership early and supporting young people who carry themselves with purpose and pride."
The appointment underscores a broader effort to ensure Indigenous youth are visible in spaces that reflect growth, ambition, and achievement - both locally and beyond.
Ross Henderson is an Indigenous artist from Wester Canada whose work explores cultural identity, storytelling, and contemporary Indigenous expression. Through visual art and the Ross Henderson brand, he creates space for Indigenous voices to be seen, respected, and celebrated in public and creative arenas. Commitment to representation beyond himself, Henderson uses his platform to uplift Indigenous youth, athletes and community leaders, sharing opportunities that reflect collective pride, leadership and cultural strength.
Glorife & Company Ltd. is a Calgary-based communications and strategy firm providing media relations, brand advisory and creative support to artists, organizations and community-driven initiatives.
