WONDR NATION Supports the Mystic Museum of Art to Unveil “Kutha Makooôkanash: Gifts of the Ocean”
Exhibition honors the cultural legacy and contemporary artistry of the Pequot people
Mashantucket, CT (JUNE 27, 2025)
WONDR NATION, the online gaming and entertainment company owned by the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, is proud to serve as a sponsor of Gifts of the Ocean (Kutha Makooôkanash), a powerful and culturally significant new exhibition at the Mystic Museum of Art (MMoA), presented in partnership with the Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Research Center (MPMRC). The exhibit officially opens to the public today, June 27, 2025, and will run through October 12, 2025.
Kutha Makooôkanash, which translates to Gifts of the Ocean, explores the deep connection between the Pequot people and the lands and waterways of their ancestral homeland. The exhibit features traditional wampum works and contemporary pieces by Pequot artists that illustrate a story of history, forced migration, resilience, and cultural restoration all rooted in the sacred geography of the Mystic River.
“This powerful exhibition brings the enduring spirit and vibrant legacy of the Pequot people to life through art,” said Rodney Butler, Chairman of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation. “Our partnership with the Mystic Museum of Art is more than a collaboration. It’s a celebration of Indigenous creativity, a restoration of visibility, and a bridge to educate and inspire generations to come.”
The exhibit was previewed at a private reception on June 26, 2025, attended by local leaders, artists, and members of the Tribal Nation. Throughout the summer, Gifts of the Ocean (Kutha Makooôkanash), will feature a series of compelling gallery talks, tours, and public programs that invite attendees to reflect on themes of displacement, endurance, and the sacred relationships between people and place.
“At WONDR NATION, we are driven by a purpose to honor Indigenous excellence and support cultural empowerment,” said Anika Howard, President & CEO of WONDR NATION. “Gifts of the Ocean transcends art to serve as a living narrative of Pequot legacy and strength. We are proud to support this collaboration and help amplify the stories that shaped this land and its people.”
WONDR NATION’s support for Gifts of the Ocean (Kutha Makooôkanash) reflects its broader commitment to uplifting Indigenous narratives, fostering cultural preservation, and investing in community-rooted initiatives that drive visibility and impact beyond gaming. As a Mashantucket Pequot-owned company at the intersection of entertainment, technology, and culture, WONDR NATION supports programs that honor the Tribal Nation’s heritage while shaping a more representative future.
“We’re honored to share space with the Mystic Museum of Art and bring this transformative exhibition to life,” said Josh Carter, Executive Director of the Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Research Center. “Thanks to the generous support from WONDR NATION and our partners, Gifts of the Ocean allows us to reframe the narrative of this land by centering Indigenous perspectives and artistic voices.”
In addition to WONDR NATION, support for the exhibit is provided by the Kitchings Family Foundation and funding from the Connecticut State Department of Economic and Community Development/Connecticut Office of the Arts (COA) from the Connecticut State Legislature.
For more information on WONDR NATION, visit wondrnation.com and linkedin.com/company/wondrnation.
About WONDR NATION
WONDR NATION is an online gaming entertainment company focused on partnering with best-in-class gaming platforms and using emerging technologies and trends to create new and exciting experiences for players. Owned by the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, equality and diversity are deeply engrained into WONDR NATION’s company makeup as well as its ongoing endeavors. With corporate responsibility and sustainable play serving as key driving forces, WONDR NATION is committed to educating players about maintaining healthy user habits, and developing the next generation of gaming professionals through educational programs, vocational training and employment opportunities.
About the mashantucket pequot tribal nation
The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation is a federally recognized Indian tribe located in southeastern Connecticut. As pioneers of the Indian casino gaming industry, the history of the Mashantucket Pequots reveals one of American's greatest come-back stories which is featured at the world-renowned Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Research Center. Today, the Tribe owns and operates one of the largest Integrated Resort Casino destinations in North America, Foxwoods Resort Casino, as well as Foxwoods El San Juan Casino, located at the iconic Fairmont El San Juan Hotel in Puerto Rico. The Tribe also founded Command Holdings, LLC., a federally chartered Section 17 holding company offering expertise in government, healthcare, facilities management, and technology. Other enterprises owned by the Tribe include the innovative Wondr Nation online gaming entertainment company, a world-class golf course, the luxurious Spa at Norwich Inn, Pequot Pharmaceutical Network, and Pequot Plus Health Benefit Services.
As one of the highest revenue contributors and largest employers in Connecticut, the Mashantucket Pequots have hosted millions of visitors and provided billions in slot revenue payments to the State. The Tribe has also contributed hundreds of millions in donations and sponsorships to support worthy charities, community events and programs, and other tribes in need, locally and throughout the United States. Dedicated to our future generations inheriting clean beautiful land, a safe community and a strong economy, we remain committed to promoting spirituality, strong family values, education, social stability, economic independence, and the wellbeing of our Tribal Members, employees and guests in a healthy and supportive environment. Our ultimate goal is to protect and advance our sovereign rights in order to build and preserve a cultural, social and economic foundation that can never be undermined or destroyed. To learn more about the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, please visit us at www.mptn-nsn.gov.
About mystic museum of art
Mystic Museum of Art (MMoA) has served as a focal point for the arts in southeastern Connecticut for more than 100 years. Founded in 1913 as the Mystic Art Association, the museum today engages visitors in richly curated exhibitions, interpretive activities, studio classes, and outreach programs. MMoA’s mission is to inspire creativity and critical dialogue by engaging the regional community in the understanding, appreciation, and practice of visual art.
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