Full Breakdown
Jeff Ament’s Montana Skatepark Project and “Paving the Way” Documentary
6/7/2026, 1:06:06 PM
Core Initiative – Skateparks and Film
Jeff Ament, Pearl Jam bassist, grew up skateboarding in Big Sandy, Montana, where his father George helped him build decks. After Pearl Jam’s success, he has funded world-class skateparks across Montana, focusing on isolated towns and Native American reservations. His Montana Pool Service partners with the Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes. The short documentary *Paving the Way*, directed by Keelan Williams, follows Indigenous skater Alishon Kelly and other riders as the new parks open; it premiered at the Tribeca Festival.
Timeline – Key Milestones
- Early 2020s – Ament begins funding Montana skateparks.
- Sunday – *Paving the Way* premieres at Tribeca Festival.
- Upcoming weeks – Construction begins on Northern Cheyenne reservation skatepark.
Impact & Data – Reach and Community Benefits
The plan targets a skatepark on each of Montana’s 12 Native American reservations by year-end. Five parks already operate on the Flathead Reservation; construction on the Northern Cheyenne site begins within two weeks. The facilities serve isolated youth, providing space for physical activity, artistic expression and peer mentorship, and are promoted as community hubs.
Official Statements – Paraphrased
Ament said his father’s hands-on guidance gave him a “life skill” and that skateboarding is a cathartic art form. He described the parks as places where people “come together and look out for each other,” and expressed optimism the documentary will reach Indigenous audiences via YouTube, PBS and other channels.
On-the-Ground Perspectives
Skater Terrence Lozeau noted the parks foster intergenerational learning, with younger children watching older riders. The film also shows Alishon Kelly skating despite a broken foot, illustrating personal resilience.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I think the idea that he was helping me build something was the most important thing to him,” — Jeff Ament, Bassist, Pearl Jam
- “I think skateboarding is probably even more of an art than it is a sport.” — Jeff Ament
- “We’re reminding people of our first peoples,” — Jeff Ament
- “I think most people in this country have no idea that they even exist. I think there’s even been certain people in our government that are trying to kind of rewrite history,erase history. You even hear young people, say, younger people than me, talk about the Native people as if they’re immigrants.” — Jeff Ament
- “These parks are where we come together and where we look out for each other,” — Terrence Lozeau, Skater featured in *Paving the Way*
What’s Next
Ament plans to make *Paving the Way* available on YouTube, PBS and other platforms to reach Indigenous communities. Additional skateparks are slated for the remaining reservations, extending the network of creative spaces across the state.
