Eighth Generation announces another Native wool blanket design contest

Thursday, February 21, 2019  

Eighth Generation, a Native-owned design company, is once again looking for artists who want to create a new wool blanket.

The company, which was founded by Coast Salish artist, educator and public speaker Louie Gong, started the contest in 2017 after receiving numerous collaboration requests. The first two winners saw their designs go into production.

"This contest both symbolizes our respect for these artists and ensures that we will help one new aspiring artist become an Eighth Generation blanket designer," an announcement on Tuesday stated. "This designer will add their work to a growing collection of over fifty blankets, each designed by a Native artist and symbolizing how support for Native-owned companies leads to opportunity for Native people."

The winner of the first contest was Jared Yazzie, a citizen of the Navajo Nation who owns OXDC Clothing. The "Tribute" wool blanket pays homage to the rugs woven by his grandmothers.

“While my grandmothers are no longer with us, these patterns and colors remain to tell us the story of where they come from," Yazzie said of his design. "I felt it was important to show tributes to their design through my new work. It makes me feel as if I am passing along their legacy.”

David Robert Boxley, a Tsimshian artist, was also an inaugural winner. He based his "Confluence" wool blanket on the connection between humans and the natural world.

"The salmon will only return if we are respectful and the earth will only allow us to stay if we live in balance with it. 'Ni'nii wila loo łagigyedm ada 'ni'nii sgüü dm waalm. (That is what the ancestors did and that is what we should do)," he said of his design.

Weaving is a long-running tradition in many tribal communities, producing blankets, rugs, baskets and other items that are used in daily life. These carry great significance, according to Rep. Deb Haaland (D-New Mexico), who is one of the first two Native women in Congress.

"Weaving teaches us discipline, self-control and patience, in the process of creating a larger product to share that is also utilitarian," Haaland said during her response to the 17th annual State of Indian Nations last week. "The stories that are told to us as children are woven in our baskets, rugs and blankets and exchanged across space and time."

"These weavings explain where we came from and who we are," Haaland said during the event, which took place on February 11 at the Newseum in Washington, D.C.

Those wishing to participate in Eighth Generation's 2019 contest must apply by March 13. Artists are asked to submit examples of their work, along with a personal statement.

The contest is open to indigenous artists in the United States and Canada.