When did the event start? In 2011, RYM was founded and initiated by Jessica “Jaylyn” Atsye (Laguna Pueblo, NM) and is produced annually by Melissa Sanchez (Acoma/Laguna Pueblo’s). In 2012 Rock Your Mocs experienced rapid awareness and participation as key national groups begin promoting Rock Your Mocs, these groups included: Powwows.com, National Indian Gaming Association and National Congress of American Indians. Understanding that the Rock Your Mocs event momentum was accelerating, in 2013, Jaylyn approached and partnered with Melissa Sanchez (Acoma/Laguna Pueblos) and Emmett “Shkeme” Garcia (Santa Ana Pueblo) of Emergence Productions, which specializes in Native American & Indigenous Performing Arts. During this time, Emergence Productions also recognized the importance of elevating awareness of National Native American Heritage Month within the Rock Your Mocs spotlight and continues to unite Native American & Indigenous Peoples through our Tribal diversity – ancestral, existing and descendants.