Who We Are

Ió:ken Designs Inc. is represented by Artist Bruce Boots, Project Manager Gail Mc Donald and Dr. Danielle Dubuc, Optometrist, who has served the Akwesasne community for over 30 years. Ió:ken pronounced (Yo:gunh or Yo:gah) is a Kanienkeha:ka (Mohawk) word that translates to “It’s Clear”.

 

The Ió:ken Design Inc. Logo was created by Bruce Boots and illustrates 4 Haudenosaunee designs including the Celestial Skydome, Mother Earth, the Family and the Sun.

 

This Winter 2025; Ió:ken Designs, Inc., along with its partners, Centennial Optical, Inc. of Toronto, Ontario, will make available to the public its first line of eyewear designed in Akwesasne. This unique line of eyewear will greatly expand access to Indigenous culturally inspired eyewear. Ió:ken Designs will provide an opportunity to proudly wear eyeglasses that represent the designs that speak to the honour, pride and history of the Haudenosaunee people and other Indigenous Nations.

 

The initial line of eyeglass frames will proudly feature designs illustrated by Artist and Partner, Bruce Boots that will include the Hiawatha Belt, the Eagle Feather, Our Clans, Berries and Beads, Seven Generations and the Celestial Sky Domes.

 

Insight into Ió:ken Designs Partnership: According to Dr. Danielle Dubuc, Optometrist,  “I have been working in the Akwesasne Community for over 30 years. I have always wanted to create eyewear designed to represent the culture and to honour the People of the community. This line has been in demand for many years, and we can now proudly offer it.”  Bruce Boots states “Our partnership brought our collective skills together to bring this idea forward. We found a company with our shared values. Centennial Optical Inc. brought the skills, integrity, and expertise to work with us in this endeavour.” Gail Mc Donald, Project Manager states “Our unique product and spirit of Ió:ken Designs and our vision is to offer eyewear that can proudly be worn not only within Indigenous communities but for all who appreciate beautiful designs representing the strong Indigenous cultures and the resilient history in our country”.

 

Centennial Optical is an independent, Canadian-owned company distributing ophthalmic frames, lenses, sunglass and cases and accessories nationally and internationally since 1967. (www.centennialoptical.com). Through our exclusive partnership, Centennial Optical is our manufacturer and distributor of our designer eyewear.  To obtain and order our eyewear please contact your local Centennial Optical representatives, located nationally across Turtle Island (Canada).