By Kalvin Valdillez, Tulalip News
In Native America, blankets hold a significant value to many tribal communities as they are associated with honor and respect. Traditionally, blankets are gifted at various ceremonies including potlatches, pow wows and graduations. Pendleton, a blanket company based in Oregon, grew in popularity during the trade era due to their bright colors and tribal inspired designs. Not to mention they were a necessity, because the blankets are made from wool, they were warm, durable and weather resistant. In 2016, President Obama was honored and blanketed by the tribal nations of America during his last White House Tribal Nations conference.
Newborn babies are often swaddled in the wool blankets and most Native children grow up surrounded by Pendleton. For this reason, the Parent Committee of the Betty J. Taylor Early Learning Academy are raising money, by means of a raffle, to purchase over three hundred blankets for the students of the Academy. The blankets will be fleece and feature Pendleton-esque designs.
The Parent Committee is raffling a handmade drum stick, featuring horse and otter fur that was constructed by Tulalip tribal member, Richard “Two Dogs” Muir. Tickets can be purchased through April 28 in the Early Learning Academy’s lobby between 8:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. The cost is $5 per ticket, five tickets for $20, or an arm’s length worth of tickets for $30. The winner will be announced April 28 during the upcoming Superhero Dance, which is also organized by the Parent Committee.
For more information, please contact the Betty J. Taylor Early Learning Academy at (360) 716-4250.