Wiphunakson (whip-hun-nuhk-son): "feathered moccasin, milkweed"

The Wiphunakson Sling is a stunning summer essential, designed to elevate any outfit with its eye-catching elegance. Created by 12th-generation Passamaquoddy basket maker Gabriel Frey, this breathable flat features premium woven leather, a tribute to his family's rich ash basket weaving heritage. With a soft suede footbed and a durable rubber sole, it offers the perfect blend of comfort and style for effortless summer wear.

About the Art
"For many years my main source of inspiration has been my wife, Suzanne. Both artistically and in life, she has an impeccable and fearless sense of fashion, something that has never been a part of my makeup. She not only has a relationship with color that can only be described as passionate, but she also has a deep commitment to supporting Indigenous artists and fashion. Whenever I question a design choice, she is my guiding star. So, when I was approached by Manitobah to design woven footwear for spring/summer 2025, I naturally asked my wife what kind of shoes she wished Manitobah made.

The Gabriel Frey collection is the result of her answer. Footwear that is designed to be elegant while also being practical, to be comfortable while also expressing love of color and the natural world, to be an expression of Indigenous values while also looking fierce out on the town. Weaving in leather is not dissimilar to weaving black ash. Each one of these designs employ traditional weaving techniques and patterns. The color schemes are meant to emulate the colors of the basket purses I create with black ash and natural dyes.

Wiphunakson ("milkweed" or "feathered moccasin"), a sturdy toe with airy ankle straps, refers to the seed of the milkweed plant—these shoes are an elegant representation of a culturally significant nonhuman relative, with many important uses. Milkweed is also the host plant of the monarch butterfly and is threatened by many invasive plants."