The HBC Point Blanket has been called many things throughout its history: an essential trade item, an enduring emblem of Canada, a carrier of disease and a symbol of colonialism. Acknowledging the many layers of symbolism the blanket embodies in history, art, pop culture and commerce is an integral part of The Bay’s Truth & Reconciliation journey.
That’s why, today, Hudson’s Bay Foundation and the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund (DWF) launched Oshki Wupoowane | The Blanket Fund. Moving forward, 100 per cent of net proceeds from the sale of all HBC point blankets will go to Indigenous Peoples. The Ojibwe “Oshki Wupoowane”—“a new blanket” in English—was chosen as the name of The Blanket Fund in collaboration with Chanie Wenjack’s family. The fund will provide support for Indigenous cultural, artistic and educational activities.
DWF will begin accepting applications for Oshki Wupoowane | The Blanket Fund early next year and the first round of grants are expected to be awarded in September 2023. —Vita Daily
downiewenjack.ca
share:
October 1st, 2022 at 3:10 pm
I love this, and the blankets, another good reason to buy one!