WONDR NATION Sponsors Transformative Events at Foxwoods Resort to Empower Youth & Strengthen Indigenous Law
Mashantucket, CT (APRIL 14, 2025)
WONDR NATION, the online gaming and entertainment company owned by the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, proudly sponsored the Turn Up New England (#TURNUPNE) Youth Conference and CIPR Annual Gathering on Law & Policy, both held at Foxwoods Resort. These impactful events reflect a commitment to community empowerment, with WONDR NATION offering an immersive Wondr Smart Labs Workshop, while the CIPR Annual Gathering on Law & Policy sparked collaboration among Indigenous law experts to drive meaningful change.
“We’re proud to support both Turn Up New England and the CIPR Annual Gathering, as they reflect our commitment to empowering youth through technology and advancing opportunities for Indigenous communities” said Anika Howard, CEO and President of WONDR NATION. “Through our Wondr Smart Labs Workshop, we sparked innovation in students, while the CIPR gathering facilitated important conversations on Indigenous legal reform.”
The workshop, which took place on Saturday, April 12th, brought together middle and high school students for an immersive, hands-on educational experience in STEM. Working collaboratively, participants programmed Sphero robots – interactive, app-enabled spheres that moved in sync with a tribal beat – to seamlessly merge technology, creativity, and culture. This initiative introduced students to coding and robotics while fostering teamwork, problem-solving, and innovation, carrying out WONDER NATION’s mission of empowering rising generations.
“For ten years, Turn Up New England has empowered young minds by connecting them with the skills and mentors they need to succeed,” said Juan Wilson Jr., from The MUSE Foundation of Rhode Island. “Partnering with WONDR NATION this year allowed us to expand our reach and introduce students to cutting-edge technology in an educational and exciting way. We are thrilled to have their support in making this milestone event successful.”
The CIPR Annual Gathering, held alongside the Youth Conference, brought together Indigenous law and policy practitioners for a weekend of panels, workshops, and networking. Discussions focused on regional to international issues, emphasizing collaboration and innovation to advance Indigenous rights and policy reforms.
“The CIPR Annual Gathering is a crucial platform for exploring practices that support the Indigenous community,” said Dr. Taino Palermo, Esq., from The Center for Indigenous Peoples Rights. “This year’s discussions are helping shape the path forward for Indigenous rights and policy reforms.”
WONDR NATION remains dedicated to creating lasting impact in communities through innovative partnerships and empowering opportunities. As part of its broader mission, WONDR NATION will continue supporting initiatives that equip the next generation with the skills and resources necessary to shape their futures, ensuring a diverse and inclusive landscape for tomorrow’s leaders.
For more information on WONDR NATION, visit wondrnation.com and linkedin.com/company/wondrnation. For more information on #TURNUPNE, visit https://turnupne.com/. For more information on the CIPR Annual Gathering on Indigenous Law & Policy, visit thecipr.org/ag25.
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 the turn up new england youth conference
#TURNUPNE, originally known as #TURNUPRI, began in 2015 as a bi-annual youth empowerment and leadership summit + career exploration conference in Rhode Island. Over the past decade, it has expanded its reach across Southern New England, evolving into a premier event that offers 8th to 12th-grade students interactive workshops, panel discussions, and networking opportunities led by diverse industry professionals.
THE CENTER FOR INDIGENOUS PEOPLES RIGHTS
The Center for Indigenous Peoples Rights (CIPR) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides free and low-cost legal services and critical nation-building technical assistance to meet the needs of Indigenous peoples and Indigenous nations exercising their inherent rights to self-governance and cultural, social, and economic development. The CIPR also engages in policy research and development to address the challenges impacting Indigenous peoples and Indigenous nations and to advance the policy interests of Indigenous peoples.
The CIPR’s vision is to ensure justice and equity for Indigenous peoples and Indigenous nations under U.S. and international law. The CIPR is an Indigenous-led organization and is dedicated to expanding the pipeline of Indigenous peoples in the legal field.
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