The attempted cancellation of 9-year-old Holden Armenta officially fell flat, when he proudly entered Allegiant Stadium.  Walking hand in hand with his father, sporting a Native American Headdress, and a new scheme of colors for his Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl appearance.  The hit piece, written by Carron J. Phillips in November 2023, had a 9-year-old child in its iron sights. Utilizing a one-sided photo, as a plea to the NFL to combat cultural appropriation, Phillip wrote, “The NFL needs to speak out against the Kansas City Chiefs fan in Black Face, and Native Headdress.” 

The backlash created an internet and media firestorm, bringing rightful criticism, for a below the belt attack on a child, using his image in propagandist warfare.  Maurice, who would like to be referred to by his “X” social media handle @LaNativePatriot, felt complete outrage for the boy in November when this story, and Holden’s image, went viral.  Native Patriot is part of the Swinomish Tribe (though not officially enrolled), his Great Grandfather was Chief Martin Sampson. 

Once the Kansas City Chief’s had clinched the playoffs, headed to the Super Bowl, it became Native Patriot’s mission to get Holden and his family to Las Vegas for the game, and as he states, to figuratively “Slap cancel culture in the face.”

Being a father to a 10-year-old himself, Native Patriot was enraged at Phillip’s blatant attack on a young child, “Children should be off limits, and to put a child on national blast, asking the NFL to condemn him.  It just felt like it was dark and evil.”  Native Patriot has a deep connection to his Swinomish roots, as well as a strong pride, and conviction being an American also. 

Much of his messaging is being a proud  Native American, and American, and how he’s been able to meld them. Inspired by the Armenta’s strength, Native Patriot wanted to reach out and show support from someone with ties to Native ancestry.  He was able to contact Shannon Armenta, Holden’s mother, through social media, and extended his very public support back in November 2023. 

When the Chiefs clinched the playoffs weeks ago, and were headed to the Super Bowl, the light bulb went off. In that moment, it had become Native Patriot’s mission to send the entire Armenta Family to the game too.  The “Skin in The Game” Podcast host, and his team (co-host Anthony Chavez, producer Eddie Smith) rallied together under the burden of a fast approaching deadline, and an exorbitant amount of funds to be raised.  Fueled by the desire of clapping back at cancel culture, and Holden’s plight, was enough of a fire to spark their fundraising journey.

For two weeks, Native Patriot’s crew worked tirelessly to get the word, and messaging out.  Relying on their podcast audience, and social media reach, they blasted the internet with their vision.  Though their attempts to garner attention in the fundraising stages were met with either silence, or criticism, they trudged on, un-phased, and continued to gain traction.  In the grit of a true grassroots movement, $11,050 was the final amount raised, with an average donation of $36.  Though the funds didn’t cover the cost of the entire family, it got Holden Armenta his golden ticket to see his favorite team become The Super Bowl Champions of 2024. 

Native Patriot flew to Las Vegas to see Holden and his father off to game, “It was disappointing that we didn’t attract the attention we needed initially, but I’m glad that the end result was Holden, cheering on the sidelines, dressed in his Headdress and face painted, watching his favorite team win, and coming out on top of Cancel Culture.”

Find @LaNativePatriot on ”˜X’ and ”˜Skin in the Game’ Podcast on Rumble and Streaming on X. Pictures courtesy of @LaNativePatriot