American Indian College Fund and Pendleton Launch Student-Designed Blanket, Raising $50K Annually for Native Scholarships
Event summary
- Belle Brings Plenty, a United Tribes Technical College graduate, won the 2025 Tribal College Blanket Design Competition with her design 'Journey'.
- The design is now available for purchase as part of Pendleton Woolen Mills’ American Indian College Fund collection.
- Sales from the blanket collection provide nearly $50,000 in annual Native student scholarships, with Pendleton's contributions exceeding $2.5 million in total.
- Brings Plenty's design was selected from 33 submissions and honors her late brother, incorporating traditional Lakota artwork and symbolic elements.
The big picture
The launch of the 'Journey' blanket underscores the strategic partnership between the American Indian College Fund and Pendleton Woolen Mills, which has spanned over 20 years. This collaboration not only supports Native higher education through scholarships but also promotes the preservation and recognition of Native arts and cultures. The program's success hinges on its ability to balance commercial appeal with cultural authenticity, ensuring continued funding for Native students.
What we're watching
- Scholarship Sustainability
- Whether the annual $50,000 in scholarships can be sustained through blanket sales and Pendleton's contributions.
- Artistic Recognition
- How the program will continue to elevate Native student artists and their work through high-profile partnerships.
- Market Expansion
- The pace at which the American Indian College Fund and Pendleton can expand the blanket collection's reach and impact.
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