Archives: Press Releases

Elkton, MD (Feb. 28, 2024) — GOREWEAR, the leading innovator in high-performance running and cycling apparel, announces today that their new CONCURVE GORE-TEX running jacket is now available online at gorewear.com, in both men’s and women’s styles. This newly released running jacket is one of the first on the market to use GORE-TEX’s new ePE Membrane and has recently won a top industry accolade from the highly distinguished ISPO Awards team.

The ePE (expanded polyethylene) membrane in the new CONCURVE GORE-TEX running jacket is a key milestone in Gore’s responsible performance journey, providing high-performing, durable products that are engineered for long product life. The new GORE-TEX ePE Membrane offers durably waterproof, windproof and breathable performance and protection, and is covered by the renowned GUARANTEED TO KEEP YOU DRY Promise. The ePE Membrane is light, thin yet strong; is PFC-free* and has a reduced carbon footprint** (per Higg MSI).

“By combining the new GORE-TEX technology, dedicated to Responsible Performance, with our advanced approach to Kinetic Garment Design, we introduce the all-new CONCURVE Jacket Design,” said Juergen Erd, Product Leader at GOREWEAR. “It was a long and sometimes tough journey, where the power of a small, committed team helped us raise the bar for waterproof running jackets once again.”

ISPO, the international trade fair for the sports industry, honors the most innovative products and services in the outdoor and sporting goods industries with its highly distinguished ISPO Awards. The CONCURVE GORE-TEX running jacket was a recent recipient of this distinguished award for its groundbreaking approach to blending cutting-edge technology with responsible performance. In addition to the new GORE-TEX ePE membrane, the CONCURVE GORE-TEX running jacket features a low profile, packable design, streamlined fit, and innovative Kinetic Garment Design body mapping for second-skin-like freedom of movement without excess bulk.

“You can feel the special fit of the jacket as soon as you try it on. It is super light, elastic, and has no unnecessary seams. This not only makes it super comfortable, but it also makes it more durable because weak points have been eliminated. The PFC-free, GORE-TEX fabric with ePE membrane is another plus point,” the ISPO Jury said in a statement about the award.

In other GOREWEAR Run category news, the fan-favorite R5 GORE-TEX INFINIUM™ Insulated jacket recently won a 2024 Fitness award from Men’s Health. The jacket was given the “best cold weather running jacket” award, and the editors stated, “Gore’s new R5 jacket eliminates the need for a mid-layer yet manages to stay light at 8.8 ounces and is made of a new windproof, water-repellant fabric.” The R5 GORE-TEX INFINIUM™ running jacket features WINDSTOPPER® products by GORE-TEX Labs product technology, offering totally windproof, extremely breathable, and durably water resistant, lightweight protection. Other features include quick-drying POLARTEC® ALPHA® insulation, semi-transparent nylon as an outer layer, a close-fitting hood, and reflective ascents.

GOREWEAR has a rich history of being recognized for its innovative and high-performance apparel. In 2020, this same GOREWEAR R5 GORE-TEX INFINIUM™ Insulated jacket won an ISPO Award and was named “Product of the Year,” underscoring the brand’s consistent dedication to groundbreaking design and functionality.

The CONCURVE GORE-TEX running jacket (MSRP: $280.00 USD) is available now on the gorewear.com website. The men’s version is available in three colorways, Lime Yellow, Black, and Utility Green, and the women’s version is available in Lime Yellow, Black, and Scrub Purple.

The R5 GORE-TEX INFINIUM™ Insulated jacket (MSRP: $270.00 USD) is also available in men’s and women’s versions and four colorways each, a Black, White/Fireball, White/Neon Yellow, and a Lab Grey/Process Purple (women’s) and Lab Grey/Utility Green (men’s).

For more details about the GOREWEAR brand, its range of products, and its commitment to innovation, please visit gorewear.com.

* Advances Gore Fabrics’ goal of being free of PFCs of environmental concern over the lifecycle of its consumer products. In this case, the goal is accomplished using non-fluorinated materials. Learn more at https://gtx.is/pfcec.

**Through laminates with a new lower-mass membrane and select textile(s) (per Higg MSI)

GORE, GORE-TEX, GUARANTEED TO KEEP YOU DRY and designs are trademarks of W. L. Gore & Associates.

About GOREWEAR

GOREWEAR designs and innovates products specifically tailored for endurance athletes, elevating their experiences across diverse weather conditions. Employing a scientific approach, GOREWEAR deeply comprehends the challenges endurance athletes encounter and strives to formulate effective solutions. Discover more at www.gorewear.com

About Gore

W. L. Gore & Associates is a global materials science company dedicated to transforming industries and improving lives. Since 1958, Gore has solved complex technical challenges in demanding environments — from outer space to the world’s highest peaks to the inner workings of the human body. With more than 13,000 Associates and a strong, team-oriented culture, Gore generates annual revenues of $4.5 billion. For more information, visit gore.com

 

 

 

 

 

FEBRUARY 28, 2024 – PORT COQUITLAM, BC.

Norco Bicycles has unveiled a ground-up redesign for two of their mainstay models. The new Sight and Optic are here.

Since introducing the bike in 2012, Sight has been the go-to for uncompromised All-Mountain performance. It’s shown up at the top of international Enduro podiums, shredded the North Shore, and has become the bike for riders who’re all-in, every time they’re out.

With the last generation of Optic that was released in 2019, Norco set a new standard for capability with the fastest, most aggressive trail bike around, and firmly established that suspension travel isn’t the only indicator of how much a bike can handle.

Same Names, New Confidence.

For the new 2024 models, both bikes are set to gain serious ground with the new Virtual Pivot Suspension | High Pivot (VPS_HP) platform, an innovation that has been tested to the limits to ensure ultimate performance.

SIGHT | RIDE & SEEK:

With 160/150mm of travel, the 2024 Sight takes the best of the Range platform and has tightened it up into a light, pedal friendly, maneuverable, high-pivot package. Whether you’re carving down a steep loam line, dropping in for an enduro stage, or heading off into the backcountry for an all-day epic, this bike performs. With increased rearward axle path, idler, and the innovative VPS_HP suspension layout, this new design gives the Sight next level confidence and capability, up or down the mountain.

OPTIC | PLAYFUL PRECISION:

With 140mm/125mm of travel, the 2024 Optic condenses years of technology from long travel bikes into a lightweight package that’s as ready to tear up climbs as it is tackling challenging descents. The VPS_HP suspension layout provides increased rearward axle path and an idler to manage pedal feedback, keeping Optic’s playful roots, while punching above its weight when the trails get rough.

As a part of their Rider First mentality, Norco is also introducing a serious upgrade to the industry leading Ride Aligned™ Setup Guide. This update not only covers data for the newest MY24 models, but it will include the entire range of Norco bikes to ensure every rider has the best on-bike experience possible.

More than just a facelift, the enhanced Ride Aligned (live Feb 28^th) platform includes:

• Streamlined bike set up suggestions (suspension, cockpit setup, and tire pressures) for all stock Norco models using rider height, weight, positioning on bike and other modifiers such as preferred suspension feel, trail grip and trail type.
• A Garage portal to save multiple set ups for varying trail conditions, type and ride feel for the same bike and multiple bikes.
• Setup Assistant to adjust settings after a few rides and truly dial in your ride to what feels best.

Additional information on the new Sight and Optic models, as well as the Ride Aligned update, can be found in the Media Kit accompanying this press release.

For more, please reach out to brandon.martinez@backbone.media or AshleyR@Norco.com.

PHOTO ASSETS AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD HERE.

About Norco Bicycles

Norco is a global leader in high-performance mountain bikes, known for its commitment to innovation, quality craftsmanship, and the pursuit of trail-blazing excellence. Founded as Northern Cycle Industries in 1964, operating out of a chicken coop, the brand has evolved over the years, but hard work, passion, and commitment to innovation have always been at the forefront. The mountains and trails of British Columbia are hard-wired into the DNA at Norco, and they will always be the ultimate inspiration for the character and performance of every Norco bike. Norco.com

 

MANCHESTER, Vt. (February 27, 2024) —Dominic Lucero, angler, outdoor educator, and founder of Colorado Treks, has been recognized by outdoor retailer Orvis with its Breaking Barriers Award for 2024.

“Orvis created the Breaking Barriers Award in 2015 to recognize the individuals or organizations going above and beyond to bring new communities into the outdoors through fly fishing and wingshooting,” said Orvis President Simon Perkins. “We are proud to celebrate Dominic and the work of Colorado Treks, which embodies the spirit and mission of this award.”

Based in Denver, Lucero founded Colorado Treks in 2016 to inspire life-changing confidence in indigenous and Latinx youth in Colorado through cultural experiences and outdoor education.

Lucero grew up an avid outdoors person thanks to family generational outdoor cultural practices passed on by his uncles and Grandfather. He understands the importance and need for that kind of mentorship and accessibility for under invested communities. Through partnerships with public schools in the Denver Metro Area, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, and others, Colorado Treks has helped open the outdoors to more than 1,000 youth in the greater Denver area.

“I’m honored to receive this award from Orvis and excited to have their support to help introduce more kids to what I call the medicine of the mountains,” said Lucero. “Community and connection to nature and culture have the power to heal individuals and change the world.”

Lucero joins previous Breaking Barriers Awards winners, including Durrell Smith, founder of the Minority Outdoor Alliance, Tracy Nguyen-Chung of Brown Folks Fishing, and Jess Westbrook of The Mayfly Project. 

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About Orvis

Founded in 1856, outdoor retailer Orvis is the trusted guide to the adventure and wonder in nature. Orvis operates more than 80 retail stores around the United States and maintains a network of over 400 dealers worldwide as a trusted source of discovery and adventure in the natural world through fly fishing, wingshooting and our connection with dogs. A purpose-led company, Orvis was one of the first to establish a corporate philanthropy program in the 1980s. The company commits 5% of pretax profits each year to ensuring the sustainable future of fly fishing, wingshooting, and the natural world for future generations. To learn more visit Orvis.com.

 

LOUISVILLE, Colo. (Feb. 27, 2024) — Primus, the Swedish cooking equipment brand, announces changes in its Canadian representation. Rock Gear Distribution, the exclusive Canadian Distributor for Primus-Silva Sweden AB, has reached new agreements with its existing Silva sales agencies to now represent Primus as well. Carrell Agencies, Move Sales, The CourtRoom Sales Agency and Gama Sports Group, will support and build the brands’ presence across Canada. Those independent sales agencies represent a variety of premium outdoor brands in the hike, climb, ski, run, bike, and lifestyle categories.

“We are thrilled to be streamlining Canadian business with the inclusion of Primus to these outstanding sales agencies. Carrell Agencies, Move Sales, the CourtRoom Sales Agency, and Gama Sports Group are all top-notch partners that know the Canadian market and also represent complimentary brands to Primus,” said Ian Lowe-Wylde, founder and president of Rock Gear Distribution. “We know Primus will be in good hands with the sales experience they all bring to the table.”

Canada is a large outdoor sports market and represents an exponential growth opportunity for Primus. Outdoor cooking is an important part of the outdoor sports culture in the country, and Primus is looking forward to providing Canadian customers with the ideal cooking solutions for their year-round outdoor culinary needs.

“Canada is a hub for all kinds of adventures in the outdoors, from skiing and rock climbing to fly fishing to trekking, and everything in between. We are looking forward to increasing our brand awareness in the market with the help of these distinguished sales agencies and getting Primus products in the hands of more Canadian customers,” said Becky Day, brand manager – North America for Primus. “From the hardcore mountaineers to the car camping weekend warriors, Primus has the right equipment for making the most out of all outdoor cooking experiences.”

The Carrell Agency has more than 20 years of experience in the outdoor sports industry and prides themselves on their innovative sales approach and emphasis on customer service. The Carrell Agency will oversee sales in British Columbia, west of the Kootenays, as well as the Territories; agency contact, Brent Carrell, can be reached at brentbca@gmail.com.

The Move Sales agency strives to provide a collection of quality brand solutions with product assortments designed to perform in the climate conditions found in their sales territory of eastern British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. Move Sales can be reached at info@movesalesinc.ca.

The CourtRoom Sales Agency has more than 25 years of independent sales agency experience in the outdoor and sport specialty markets and are dedicated to customer service and increasing Primus’ brand awareness. Brian Mills at The CourtRoom Sales Agency will oversee sales in Ontario and can be reached at brianmills506@rogers.com.

Gama Sports Group boasts a wide variety of outdoor sports experience, which has helped them to develop targeted marketing strategies for a host of top-tier brands. Gama Sports Group will oversee sales in Quebec and Atlantic Provinces and agency contact, Marisa Ditata, can be reached at mditata@adg2000.ca.

For more information on Primus and their Service for a Reason program, please direct media inquiries to Ryan Silven, ryan.silven@rygr.us.

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About Primus: The Swedish company PRIMUS has been creating products promoting freedom of nature since 1892. Primus equipment has been tested on expeditions by such pioneers as Roald Amundsen and Sir Edmund Hillary. PRIMUS is known for reliable, safe and innovative products, that allow people to stay outside longer. With the focus on serving life outdoors, PRIMUS creates environmentally friendly, easy-to-use and lightweight products. Mainly made in Europe, sold in more than 60 countries worldwide.

About Primus-Silva Sweden AB: Founded in Sweden, Primus and Silva have been developing quality outdoor gear for multiple generations. Primus is known for designing and delivering stoves and gear for backcountry and outdoor kitchens everywhere. Silva provides products that make outdoor adventure safe and accessible with compasses, headlamps, running vests and accessories. Currently, Primus and Silva are focused on providing innovative, sustainably minded and performance orientated outdoor equipment for world class athletes and everyday adventurers. The Primus and Silva brands are sold in more than 60 countries worldwide. Primus-Silva Sweden AB is owned by Verdane. For more information, visit silva-canada.com and priumsequipment.ca

About Rock Gear: Rock Gear Distribution is committed to supplying Canada with the best, most innovative outdoor equipment. Located in Western Canada, Rock Gear provides high-end products designed for active people. The company is owned and run by athletes, who appreciate quality gear that is tested vigorously during their adventures in the Canadian Rocky Mountains, from day excursions to multi-day expeditions, rain or shine. This nationwide team is proud to distribute and support Canadian retailers in their customers’ quest to be active outdoors. Rock Gear has been a distributor of SILVA products for many years, and PRIMUS is a welcome addition. For more information, visit www.rockgeardistribution.com or contact info@rockgeardistribution.com.

CHICAGO (Feb. 27, 2024) – IMBOX Protection, the world’s only in-store footwear protection technology, today announced it is expanding its partnership with SNIPES, a leading global sneaker retailer, following a successful pilot program in the United States. SNIPES will extend its offering of IMBOX Protection systems to 40 locations nationwide. IMBOX Protection, the only system holding global patents, delivers environmentally- friendly protection at the point of purchase for consumer and retailer convenience, costing $7-$8.00 per pair, per treatment.

IMBOX Protection units quietly dispense a proprietary PFAS-free formula, with full protection benefits applied in one minute. The technology ensures precise application, drying, and heating for each shoe, preserving all materials, including suede, leather, textile, nubuck, and synthetic components. As the footwear undergoes the treatment, customers may watch each step of the process on a 24-inch display on the front of the machine. Treated shoes emerge ready to wear.

“SNIPES is an iconic retailer with a savvy, passionate sneaker following and is deeply connected to local communities,” said Oliver Hede, vice president of sales, IMBOX Protection Inc. “The SNIPES customer cares about the quality and look of their footwear and expects a superior in-store experience. Our technology provides increased value for customers looking to make smart purchases, and helps consumers extend the life of their shoes before leaving the store.”

IMBOX Protection is designed and manufactured in Denmark with headquarters in Denmark, Japan and a North American headquarters in Chicago. Multiple U.S. retailers are installing IMBOX Protection units to meet increased consumer demand for a responsible, PFAS-free approach to stain and weather protection for footwear. More than 7,500 IMBOX Protection systems are in place globally with more than 35 million shoe treatments performed annually, increasing every year.

The SNIPES partnership is especially timely, aligning with the January report from the National Retail Federation (NRF) emphasizing, “Customer interaction in physical stores is as imperative as the transaction. For retailers planning to open new stores or make renovations to existing units, designers beware: Shopper expectations are elevated and moving toward lofty.”

“The expansion of in-store options caters to consumer preferences, ultimately contributing to heightened retail profitability,” continued Hede. “By addressing consumers’ needs for weather resistance and performance, IMBOX Protection is a cost-effective and time-saving solution, benefitting both retailers and customers.”

For more information on IMBOX Protection at SNIPES, visit: https://imboxprotection.com/us

*https://nrf.com/blog/7-retail-industry-predictions-2024 

About SNIPES

As the leading sneaker and streetwear retailer in the US and Europe, SNIPES offers products from top brands like Nike, Jordan, adidas, and New Balance through its 750 global stores and digital properties. SNIPES works with local community partners as well as international brands and personalities such as its Chief Creative Officer DJ Khaled to support, empower, and celebrate street culture.

About IMBOX Protection Inc.
Launched in 2011 in Denmark as a more sustainable and convenient alternative to protecting shoes, IMBOX Protection is the world’s only in-store footwear protection technology service using a safe and environmentally friendly treatment to protect against water damage, dirt, stains, and color fade. IMBOX Protection has more than 7,000 units in retail stores globally selling more than 30 million treatments a year with trusted footwear retailers and partners. Based on surging demand in Europe and Japan, IMBOX Protection has expanded availability in the U.S. with a North American headquarters in Chicago. The PCT patent-protected technology is designed, developed, and manufactured in Denmark. Retailers can learn more about IMBOX Protection and its in-store footwear protection solution at https://imboxprotection.com/us.

BOULDER, Colo. (Feb. 27, 2024) – SCARPA, the leading manufacturer of footwear for performance mountain sports, this month launches the third year of its successful SCARPA Athlete Mentorship Initiative (SAMI). Based on a commitment to supporting athlete growth and helping to create a more inclusive and diverse outdoor community, SAMI embarks on another year of empowering the next generation of outdoor athletes.

Created by SCARPA, and run in conjunction with brand partner and technical apparel manufacturer Mountain Hardwear, the SAMI program is designed to create more access, support and opportunity for outdoor athletes from historically marginalized communities. The program will again pair aspiring athletes who are from the BIPOC, LGBTQ and Adaptive communities with mentors from SCARPA or Mountain Hardwear’s athlete teams.

For the 2024 program, SCARPA and Mountain Hardwear introduce the newest class of 12 mentees, a talented group of athletes in disciplines including climbing, mountaineering, running and skiing. During the SAMI program, mentees meet with athlete mentors and SCARPA and Mountain Hardwear staff to work on individual projects and goals. This year’s class was chosen from hundreds of applications for the SAMI program.

“As we enter the third year of SAMI, we’re humbled to see this program has become such a success that we received such an extraordinary number of applications from a range of extraordinary athletes,” said Melanie Hood, Director of Marketing and Communications for SCARPA North America. “That speaks not just to the value of an effort like this working to try to broaden outdoor participation, but to the commitment and excitement that our brand athletes have shown for this program.”

This year’s mentees are Zivia Berkowitz, Brittney Butler, Sarah Carriere, Joshua Harper, Jay Louie, Davis Ngo, Adam Pawlikiewicz, Carlin Reynolds, Ellie Rubin, Gabrielle Tourtellotte, Lindsay Valero and Noah Wheeler. They will be paired with SCARPA athlete mentors, who include Kitty Calhoun, Nathaniel Coleman, Sam Elias, Tim Emmett, Will Gadd, Joshua Jarrin, Gabe Joyes, Shelma Jun, Andrew King, Alex Puccio, Erin Spong and Graham Zimmerman.

The 2023 SAMI class saw some incredible milestones, including the first deaf female and deaf American male to summit Mount Everest, along with a handful of films and video projects, including Guerreras, a film following female Latina climbers.

“The Scarpa Athlete Mentorship Initiative was the push of inspiration I needed to create Escaladores Unidos,” said Xavier Bravo, a 2023 mentee and founder of Escaladores Unidos. “Not only did I develop confidence in my objectives by having so many individuals believe in my vision, but the connections I made with other SAMI mentees, industry leaders, and inspiring individuals will last for years to come. If nothing else, it is quite comforting to know that I will always be part of the SCARPA and Mountain Hardwear families and part of a cohort of athletes that are shaping the future of the outdoor industry for the better.”

For more information about SCARPA and the Athlete Mentorship Initiative, please visit https://us.scarpa.com/community/index.php/athlete-mentorship-program.

About SCARPA and SCARPA North America
Founded in 1938, SCARPA builds performance footwear for climbing, hiking, skiing, mountaineering, trail running and other outdoor pursuits from its headquarters in Asolo, Italy. SCARPA has been owned and operated by the Parisotto family since 1956. In 2005, SCARPA opened its North American headquarters in Boulder, Colo., staffed and directed by veterans of the North American outdoor industry, to oversee sales, marketing and distribution in the U.S., Canada and South America. For more information about SCARPA footwear, visit www.scarpa.com.

About Mountain Hardwear
Mountain Hardwear, Inc., was founded in 1993 and is based in Richmond, CA. We exist to encourage and equip people to seek a wilder path in life. For 30 years, we’ve built essential equipment for climbers, mountaineers, and outdoor athletes and have supported expeditions on the world’s highest peaks. Relentless precision continues to inspire everything we do — our designers sweat every stitch and detail to continuously improve function, durability, and comfort. Mountain Hardwear is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Columbia Sportswear Company that distributes its products through specialty outdoor retailers in the United States and 34 countries worldwide.
www.mountainhardwear.com

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ASPEN, Colo. (Feb. 27, 2024) – The Aspen Chamber Resort Association (ACRA), has retained Backbone, one of the country’s leading active lifestyle marketing agencies, with clients including Yeti, Smartwool, Black Diamond, Thule and more. With its headquarters in nearby Carbondale, Backbone will support ACRA’s public relations and communication strategy.

“Aspen Chamber Resort Association serves a unique role not only in the Aspen community, but also nationally and internationally,” says Eliza Voss, Vice President, Destination Marketing for ACRA. “Backbone’s insights and skills align perfectly with our vision to elevate community engagement and advance our mission of fostering sustainable growth in Aspen’s business community. We look forward to partnering with Backbone to Defy Ordinary.”

Honored consecutively in 2022 and 2023 in Green Destination’s Top 100 Stories for innovative and sustainable destination initiatives, ACRA is dedicated to supporting the Aspen business community, attracting visitors to the resort, and enhancing the visitor experience. In partnership with ACRA, Backbone will bring awareness to Aspen’s Destination Management Plan, with a focus on addressing visitor pressure, enhancing the Aspen experience, and preserving Aspen’s small town character.

“Backbone was founded in the Roaring Fork Valley nearly 30 years ago, and this community is a large part of our success as a local business,” said Ian Anderson, Vice President of Public Relations for Backbone. “It’s an honor and a privilege to be selected to partner with ACRA to tell the stories of the destination where so many of us live, work, and play.”

For more information regarding ACRA, please direct inquiries to Jessie Vandenhouten at jessie.vandenhouten@backbone.media.

Media Contact: Jessie Vandenhouten, Backbone
Jessie.vandenhouten@backbone.media

About ACRA
Aspen Chamber Resort Association (ACRA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting Aspen’s business community and enhancing the visitor experience. ACRA is a unique blend of a traditional chamber of commerce and a visitors’ and convention bureau made up of approximately 750+ local businesses, a strong, diverse board of directors, and a dedicated staff. ACRA’s four departments which support the Aspen business community are Destination Marketing and Group Sales, Membership, Special Events, and Visitor Services. For more information visit www.aspenchamber.org or call 970-925-1940.

About Backbone
Backbone is the country’s leading active lifestyle media agency. For over 25 years, Backbone has partnered with brands big and small to develop and execute effective, integrated media strategies. Backbone has consistently been included on Outside Magazine’s “Best Places to Work” list with offices in Carbondale and Denver, Colorado. For more information, visit www.backbone.media

WINNIPEG, Manitoba, Canada (February 27, 2024) — Manitobah, the Indigenous-rooted brand dedicated to making positive impacts in Indigenous Communities, today introduced Rooted, a global brand campaign showcasing seasonal artist Mikailah Thompson and affirming its commitment to elevating Indigenous artistry. Rooted in Thompson’s vision, the campaign emboldens all to dream of the infinite possibilities that lie ahead, rooted in the past, while guided by the hope and promise of tomorrow. Thompson, an Afro-Indigenous artist, and entrepreneur currently residing in Washington, D.C., seamlessly integrates her nimíipuu heritage into her artwork. Thompson’s contributions to the 2024 Spring collection showcase her dedication to cultural preservation and her distinctive artistic style.

“Rooted in my culture, I intricately bead subtle elements of nimíipuu and African designs into the pieces I create. Each bead, each stitch, serves as a profound homage to the legacy of my ancestors—honouring their stories, traditions, and resilience,” said Thompson. “My art is not merely a reflection; it’s a testament to my roots and aspirations, speaking volumes where words fall short. I was excited to collaborate with Manitobah and to have the opportunity to showcase my art alongside my community. By sharing their narratives and supporting their work in the process, I aim to inspire fellow artists to embrace their identities and pursue their passions.”

In the Spring 2024 collection, Thompson’s creative vision shines through in a variety of styles. Among them is the new Wallowa Moccasin, a tribute to the Wallowa Valley on Thompson’s nimiipuu homeland, featuring her geometric embroidery. Additionally, the collection includes the new Butterfly Flat, adorned with the artist’s intricate beadwork. Completing her collection are four additional footwear styles and three accessories, each embodying Thompson’s unique artistic perspective.

At the core of Manitobah’s mission is a dedication to Indigenous artistry and community empowerment. Established in 1997 with the aim of supporting Indigenous communities, the brand celebrates the resilience, beauty, and intricate designs of Indigenous cultures. Collaborating with Indigenous artists from across North America, Manitobah preserves and honours traditional designs, crafting footwear that embodies exceptional quality while carrying forward the stories and heritage of Indigenous peoples. This commitment to Indigenous artistry and cultural preservation is infused into every Manitobah product, reflecting the brand’s promise of walking together, making a difference with every step.

“At Manitobah, we’re thrilled to have Thompson as our seasonal artist, bringing her unique perspective and talent to our Spring 24 collection,” said Carolyn MacNaughton, CEO of Manitobah. “Through collaborations like these, we provide a platform for authentic Indigenous art that encourages pride, shapes lives, and helps keep traditions alive. Thompson’s contribution embodies this ethos, and we’re excited to showcase her work and celebrate the rich heritage it represents. Together, we walk towards a future where Indigenous voices are celebrated and empowered.”

In addition to collaborations like the collection with Thompson, Manitobah provides support for authentic Indigenous art through the Indigenous Market, a web-based platform with 100% of the profits going to the artists to aid in cultural preservation and economic empowerment. By supporting Indigenous artisans and entrepreneurs, even in remote communities, Manitobah honors traditions and ensures the sustainability of Indigenous art practices for generations. Learn more about Thompson’s work and Manitobah’s commitment to supporting Indigenous Artistry at manitobah.ca.

About Manitobah
Founded in 1997 in Winnipeg by Métis founder Sean McCormick, Manitobah embarked on a mission to build a global brand that creates positive impacts within Indigenous communities. Manitobah collaborates with Indigenous artists from across North America to craft the world’s warmest and most comfortable footwear, preserving designs used by Indigenous people for thousands of years. Blending beauty and functionality, every pair of Manitobah mukluks embodies the company’s promise—walking together, making a difference with every step.