"Down 2 Basics" Interview with Indigenous November 2009

Josh LaPoint of Indigenous has a very unique approach to the snow and skate culture and how he plans to bring his own vision and vibe to the Northeast Kingdom. Check out our interview as Jeremy Carroll talks shop with the newest retailer to carry the fundamental brand.

Fundamental: What is the concept behind Indigenous?

Indigenous: Indigenous is original. We are a reflection of the human experience and the creativity inherent to skateboarding, snowboarding, fashion, music and art

Fundamental: What is your long-term vision for the shop?

Indigenous: We want to grow the scene from a grassroots level, teaching kids about not only the sport but the industry itself. The art scene in particular, I feel that skateboarding has been a tool of expression for wallflowers and social misanthropes. Here at Indigenous we also have an art gallery in the shop where we feature local and national artists. I have traveled a lot and through my travels I have met a lot of interesting people and artists who have been left out of many galleries. I felt it was my duty once I had the opportunity to showcase them, to extend that break, and will continue do so however that materializes whether it be hosting events and fundraisers to underwriting open mics and artist

Fundamental: What made you choose Lyndonville as the place to "set up shop"?

Indigenous: Our first location in St. Johnsbury was great; it will always be our first home. Being a snowboard shop, you want to be as close to the mountain as possible and the support and ties that we had in Lyndonville was a welcoming that we couldn’t refuse. It has been a great success. We are still active with the Skate park in St Jay and our local skaters there.

Fundamental: Outside of the fundamental brand, are you featuring any other Vermont brands or products?

Indigenous: On the local front we feature not only Fundamental, but Sik City Skateboards out of Southern VT. We are also a flagship store for local Steez magazine out of New England which has an amazing apparel line which we are proud to have exclusives and inline gear.

Fundamental: Tell us what got you into in the culture of action sports, music, and fashion?

Indigenous: I have been skateboarding since I was 9 years old and snowboarding for about twenty years. The scene that surrounds and intertwines both of these sports has been a huge part of my life’s interest. Marketing and advertising grew from my former life as a cultural anthropologist working with unique cultures both here and abroad. Music is and continues to be the driving force in my inspiration for all of this.



Indigenous
39 Depot St.
Lyndonville, VT 05851

802.626.1010

www.indigenousvt.com