Seneca-Cayuga Nation artist designed a custom strap to complement the colors of the new limited edition binoculars
Nocs Provisions, maker of adventure-ready binoculars and accessories, has partnered with Amelia Winger-Bearskin to create a limited-edition bundle of binoculars with a strap design, inspired by the traditional patterns and beadwork of the Seneca Nation. -Cayuga of Oklahoma, of which Amelia is a registered member. This Honor Native Land bundle is available exclusively at REI Co-op, at all stores nationwide, and at REI.com.
This collaboration is part of the US Department of Arts and Culture’s non-profit organization: Honor Native Land, in which Winger-Bearskin plays a key role. Honor Native Land, the theme and theme of the collaboration, is an effort to raise awareness of the practice of observing and honoring native land through recognition of and efforts to correct the histories and practices that erase the history and culture of native populance.
“For so long, the indigenous artwork and designs of my people and other nations have been copied, reused, and exploited by organizations that have no intention of honoring the original artists. This collaboration with Nocs is an example of how native heritage can be recognized and preserved,” said Winger-Bearskin, “and I am honored to have the opportunity to collaborate with both Nocs and REI Co-op on this.”
Winger-Bearskin is an indigenous artist (Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) of the Seneca-Cayuga Nation of Oklahoma, Deer Clan) who innovates with artificial intelligence in ways that honor the native land. He founded Wampum.Codes, which is both an award-winning podcast and an ethical framework for software development based on the indigenous values of co-creation. Winger-Bearskin is Banks Family Preeminence Chair and Associate Professor of Artificial Intelligence and the Arts at the Digital Worlds Institute at the University of Florida.
The Honor Native Land Bundle includes Nocs’ award-winning Standard Issue 8×25 waterproof binoculars (available in two limited-edition colorways, Dewdrop Blue and Dewdrop Grey), a woven tapestry strap with a custom pattern designed by Winger-Bearskin, and the Nocs Photo Rig Smartphone Adapter for taking pictures through binoculars. The package is available in REI stores and on REI.com for $149.
“We are very grateful for the opportunity to work alongside Amelia and share in honoring and recognizing Native Land with this collaboration,” said Chris McKleroy, founder and CEO of Nocs Provisions. “We have always approached what we design as tools for discovery, and we hope that the Honor Native Lands project can help encourage people to recognize artists and explore native lands.