GATHER – a new blanket for an important cause

February 3, 2022February 3, 2022 / pendletonwoolenmills / Leave a comment

New blanket for Spring 2022: GATHER

Pendleton is honored to unveil a new blanket designed by artist Emma Robbins. A portion of the sales from this blanket will go to the DigDeep Navajo Water Project, a nonprofit that works to bring clean running water to the one in three Navajo families without it.

GATHER

Like the piñon tree, members of the Navajo Nation gather resources to survive an increasingly precarious water supply. Diné artist Emma Robbins has gathered symbols of endurance for this design; a sáanii (maternal grandmother) scarf crossed by traditional sash belts used in ceremonies and childbirth. At the center, a young woman’s bracelet of silver is set with turquoise, a stone formed by rare rains flowing through arid layers of rock. A portion of blanket sales will support DigDeep’s Navajo Water Project.

Learn more about DIGDEEP here: The DIGDEEP Navajo Water Project

Details of the design components

Ms. Robbins shared photos of her inspirations with us.

First, the floral ground of the blanket is inspired by a sáanii scarf, as worn here by a sáanii (maternal grandmother in Navajo).

Photo of a Navajo woman wearing a traditional scarf. Photo courtesy Indian Country Today — 96-year old Annette Bilagody, Navajo, is a retired rug weaver and beader. She and her family run a small online business where she sells her jewelry. (Photo courtesy Lucita Bennett family) (Caption and photo courtesy Indian Country Today)

Sáanii scarves have traditionally been worn by grandmothers, and are a symbol of wisdom and nurturing. Recently they have made their way into modern Navajo and Native fashion, and are worn to honor grandmothers and strong female teachers and role models. Both of Ms. Robbins’ grandmothers were strong matriarchs of their families, and played important roles in her upbringing. She remembers making art with Ann, her maternal grandmother, and harvesting piñons with Nora, her paternal grandmother, while sitting on a blanket. Piñons are also the namesake of her daughter.

Learn more about the history and meaning of the Sáanii scarf here: The Saanii scarf

Learn more about the piñon tree and its nut here: The piñon tree

Two Navajo Sash belts traverse the floral ground.

A Navajo sash belt in traditional red & green colors. Photo by Emma Robbins, belt designed by Jonessa Reid — *Photo courtesy Emma Robbins, sash belt designed by Jonessa Reid*

These traditional belts are woven in a specific color set of red or green, and worn by both men and women, depending on the ceremony. These belts are also an important birthing tool.

Learn more about sash belts here: The Navajo sash

At the center of the blanket design is a squash blossom bracelet gifted to Ms. Robbins at her Kinaaldá, a Navajo girl’s coming of age ceremony.

Turquoise and silver bracelet belonging to the arts, photo courtesy Emma Robbins

This bracelet made of turquoise, the sacred stone of the south to the Diné or Navajo. Known as dootlizh, it is considered to be a living and breathing being because it changes color as it ages. Turquoise also refers to water, as this stone is formed when water flows through rock, leaving behind specific minerals such as copper and aluminum. The minerals form veins of turquoise, flowing through rock in colors that range from deep green to palest blue. Turquoise is part of the Navajo creation story, and to this day Dootlizhii Ashkii (the Turquoise Boy) carries the sun across the sky each day. Turquoise brings long life and happiness to the wearer, as well as a means to restore good health; as Ms. Robbins says, “We come from water, and it is part of all human survival.”

Learn more about turquoise here: Turquoise

When Ms. Robbins designed the blanket, she combined these representations of survival and renewal in a watercolor; here is her original design for the GATHER blanket.

An original watercolor by Emma Robbins that served as design for the Pendleton Gather blanket, photo courtesy Pendleton Woolen Mills

More about Emma Robbins

Emma Robbins is a Diné artist, activist, and community organizer. As Executive Director of the Navajo Water Project, part of the human rights nonprofit DigDeep Water, she is working to create infrastructure that brings clean running water to the one in three Navajo families without it. In addition, she is the creator of The Chapter House, an Indigenous women-led community arts space, designed for Natives and welcoming all.

Read the Chapter House blog here: Chapter House

See works on Instagram here: Chapter House Instagram

Through her artwork, Robbins strives to raise awareness about the lack of clean water on Native Nations and educate viewers about issues such as the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women crisis, representations and misrepresentations of Native people, and the environmental impact of abandoned uranium mines. She explores these themes through photography, installations, and use of found materials foraged on her trips across the United States and abroad.

Her artist website is here: Emma Robbins

Emma Robbins, photo courtesy Emma Robbins

Ms. Robbins completed her BFA at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and studied Modern and Contemporary Latin American Art History in Buenos Aires, Argentina. She has been featured in The Washington Post, Harper’s Bazaar, NPR, and on Erin Brockovich’s podcast, and has lectured at Yale, Brown, MIT and Skoll. She is an Aspen Institute Healthy Communities Fellow, serves on the Advisory Committee to U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, and is a recipient of an Environmental Leader Award. Robbins is a mom, has two dogs, and splits her time on Tongvaland (Los Angeles) and the Navajo Nation.

Many thanks to Ms. Robbins for these biographical notes, which were adapted from her website and from program notes for her various speaking engagements (with permission).

All of us at Pendleton send congratulations on the birth of her beautiful child.

Emma Robbins and her daughter on the Pendleton blanket Ms. Robbins designed for the DigDeep Water Project blanket by Pendleton Woolen Mills.

Photo courtesy Emma Robbins. Emma and her daughter Piñon on the Gather blanket

Learn more about the Gather blanket here: Gather

David Kennedy – Saying Good-bye to a Visionary

November 17, 2021February 7, 2022 / pendletonwoolenmills / 1 Comment

A Man of Vision

David Kennedy. photo courtesy the College Fund

David Kennedy was one of the original partners of the pioneering ad agency Weiden + Kennedy. W+K is based in Portland, Oregon, and is known worldwide for memorable campaigns for Nike, Coca-Cola, Microsoft and many other companies.

But what we want to talk about specifically is David Kennedy’s work with the American Indian College Fund. He was instrumental in connecting Pendleton and the College Fund in a partnership that has raised over 1.5 million dollars for scholarships through the sale of College Fund blankets and the Pendleton endowment.

History with Pendleton

Robert Christnacht, VP of Worldwide sales and former head of Pendleton’s Home division, shared some thoughts about David. According to Bob, “I am not sure of the initial contact with David and PWM, but I came on board 21 years ago and met David in the Fall of 2000. He was the most unassuming person you ever met. He always wore old Levi jeans, a black t-shirt and if he was wearing a jacket it was a hoodie. The only time I saw him in a suit was in NYC at the College Funds 30^th Anniversary Gala.

“From what I understand, he grew up in Montana and the Dakotas. His dad was roughneck, so they bounced around the oil and gas fields and David was exposed to a lot of the Plains tribes.

“David always had ideas for designs and artists for us to collaborate with. When he came to the office to work on designs, he brought several creatives with him. It was clear that he was a mentor who gave the people he worked with opportunities for creative ownership.

“He brought Kevin Red Star and Ben Night Horse Campbell to our attention. We’re grateful for the decades we were able to work with him, and we will miss him.”

History with the College Fund

We also spoke with Dina Horwedel, who is the Director of Public Education at the American Indian College Fund, who told us that David was “such a wonderful, welcoming man with a great sense of humor.” According to Dina, “David knew Native people as part of his life growing up in Oklahoma and Montana. His father’s work meant that the family was uprooted frequently, and the Native American community welcomed him and made him feel at home.

“David worked with the blanket program at Pendleton from its earliest inception. It’s reported that when he received a letter accepting W+K’s offer of fundraising help, he ran down the hall yelling ‘Hey Hey, the American Indian College Fund wants us!’ Some of the earlier blankets were designed by David Kennedy and Patti Orlando. He directly oversaw the campaigns and was always part of every PSA brainstorming question. He sat on board of trustees, and was an emeritus trustee. He came to almost every board meeting until his health became an impediment.

“David was not only being true to Native voices, but he brought into his shop interns and employees from the Native world. His work on the latest visibility campaign – which launched on October 10^th with a huge online concert – premiered the last PSA he worked on with the Fund. He passed away the same day we launched the campaign – that is poetic.

“David was instrumental with getting Native Artists to work with the blanket designs. He created a family of all the people he helped and cared about. He left us with a lot to aspire to. He was a one of a kind person and we are all going to miss him at the College Fund.”

The last PSA David worked on can be viewed here: This is Indian Country

Pendleton and The College Fund

June 10, 2021June 7, 2021 / pendletonwoolenmills / 1 Comment

20+ Years of Partnership

7 Generations wool blanket by Pendleton for the College Fund.

Here at Pendleton, we have had the honor of partnering with The American Indian College Fund for more than two decades. In that time our scholarship program has raised more than $1.6 million dollars for scholarships to tribal colleges. Through this scholarship program, recipients are able to cover most of their yearly tuition and books. Our commitment is strong and ongoing, and recognized in the following letter from the President and CEO, American Indian College Fund, Cheryl Crazy Bull.

Pendleton’s American Indian College Fund Endowed Scholarship Exceeds $1 Million

The American Indian College Fund and Pendleton Woolen Mills have enjoyed a relationship for more than 20 years. Our collaboration has made Native people more visible by introducing the public to beautiful blanket creations that are reflective of Native cultures and histories through its American Indian College Fund blanket collection, which also includes tribal college student-designed blankets and blankets from the Nike N7 collection. As part of its relationship with the College Fund, Pendleton created an endowed scholarship to support Native higher education which, as of this writing, has exceeded $1 million. We are delighted that Pendleton has committed to ensuring that Native people have access to a higher education. We know this endowed scholarship will continue to grow and support Native students in their educations for generations to come.

Our relationship started with blankets. Pendleton offers blankets in stunning designs and colors with meaningful stories inspired by Native people from across the nation in the American Indian College Fund collection. Pendleton blankets are cherished by families for generations for their quality, designs, and stories—and while creating greater visibility of Native people, the line also creates awareness of the American Indian College Fund’s mission to invest in Native students and tribal college education to transform lives and communities.

Today 14.5% of American Indians and Alaska Natives (AIAN) have a college degree—half that of other groups (35%), according to the U.S. Census. At the American Indian College Fund, we know that education is the answer to creating vibrant Native communities and are committed to closing that gap through scholarship support and programs to support Native students’ academic success and career achievement. And thanks to the longtime support of Pendleton, 1,250 American Indian and Alaska Native students have received scholarship support for higher education since 2003.

As we celebrate the $1 million milestone of Pendleton’s endowed scholarship, we know this is not an ending but a beginning. We are blessed to have had the friendship and financial support of Pendleton for more than 20 years and we look forward to seeing how the seeds they have planted will blossom as we continue to work together to help Native students achieve their dreams.

Cheryl Crazy Bull

President and CEO, American Indian College Fund

How to Contribute

If you’d like to support the College Fund, you can do that through direct donation.

Information is here: Donating to the College Fund

If you’re interested in Pendleton’s College Fund blankets you can see our current selection at http://www.pendleton-usa.com – if there is a blanket you are hoping to find that isn’t featured on our website, please contact the Pendleton Home store at 503-535-5444. We will do our best to locate it for you at one of our Pendleton stores.

Made in USA label with eagle for Pendleton

Courage to Bloom for The College Fund

November 20, 2020 / pendletonwoolenmills / Leave a comment

We are proud to present…

Courage to Bloom blanket for the College Fund - front

“Courage to Bloom,” the inaugural winner of the student competition for the American Indian College Fund blanket design.

Courage to Bloom blanket for the College Fund - back

Arrow shapes in this pattern symbolize finding a good path in life, acknowledging that every path holds pitfalls and dangers, as well as opportunity. To honor the loss of missing and murdered indigenous Native people, an hourglass shape at the base of the largest blossom symbolizes life’s spiritual journey through the most difficult circumstances.

The Designer behind the Design

Deshawna Anderson, photography by Justin Stewart — Photo by Justin Stewart

Designer Deshawna Anderson (White Mountain Apache/Crow) is a College Fund scholar at Little Big Horn College in Crow Agency, Montana, where she studies Business Administration. She is of the Butterfly Clan and a child of the Greasy Mouth.

As a visual learner, Deshawna became interested in art as a tool to educate the viewer on the perspective of its creator. She is influenced by Apache and Crow culture from the Crazy Mountains to Salt River Canyon. She also draws inspiration from historic and contemporary burden baskets, beadwork, quillwork, and attire.

The Future

This design, “Courage to Bloom,” was chosen from a field of 48 entries to the College Fund blanket design contest. There were many outstanding designs submitted, including paintings and beadwork. It was extremely difficult to choose just one design to translate to the loom. The breadth of talent we saw makes us anticipate what our College Fund scholars will create in the future.

Learn More

“Courage to Bloom” at our website: Courage to Bloom

Learn more about The American Indian College Fund here: The College Fund

Learn more about earlier College Fund blankets here: College Fund Blankets by Pendleton

Photos of Ms. Anderson by Justin Stewart

Thank you for Helping the Red Cross Respond to Wildfire Devastation

September 22, 2020September 25, 2020 / pendletonwoolenmills / 1 Comment

Please note: With your help, our goal was reached and the donation was made. Thank you!

Wildfire Relief

The Pacific Northwest needs our help. More than 4 million acres of land have burned, causing devastation to lives and communities. To help support the people affected by this disaster, Pendleton is donating 100% of sales of our Wildland Heroes Firefighters Blanket to the American Red Cross from Sept. 22-29, 2020, while supplies last.

Pendleton will donate up to $25,000 total. This is in addition to the permanent donation amount Pendleton contributes to the Wildland Firefighter Foundation, in support of families and injured firefighters in time of need.

The Blanket

This special blanket is made in our Pacific Northwest mills and will be ready to ship in November – reserve yours now and help make a difference.

The Pendleton Wildland Heroes blanket shows bands of geometric designs that also include evergreen trees, with a dark forest green background, light blue trangles to symbolize water, and yellow and orange accents that represent the threat of wildfires.

The scent of smoke fills the air. An orange glow lights the horizon. Mother Nature is on alert, and Wildland Firefighters stand ready to defend her. These brave men and women hold the line against fire’s destruction with team effort; digging lines, running hoses, saving structures when they can. In Pendleton’s tribute to Wildland Firefighting, bands of deep forest alternate with lines of flame, lighting trees endangered by flame. A portion of this blanket’s sales help the Wildland Firefighter Foundation, which supports families and injured firefighters in times of need.

See the blanket here: Wildland Heroes

The Newest Pendleton Blanket for the American Indian College Fund

April 9, 2020November 2, 2023 / pendletonwoolenmills / Leave a comment

Special Edition for The College Fund

We are pleased to unveil the newest Pendleton blanket for the American Indian College Fund: the Water saddle blanket in a special limited edition. This blanket was used in a beautiful PSA for The College Fund called “The Path.”

More about “The Path”

Pendleton was proud to participate by weaving a 290 yard-long “Water” blanket, used in the film to illustrates the varied paths of Native scholars travel on their way to a brighter future. After the film was finished, we refashioned it into 133 limited edition, saddle-style blankets, each 60” x 32”.

The Pendleton Water saddle blanket, special edition

How You Can Help

Indigenous people are not just a part of history, they are the future. Right now, 42% of American Indians are 24 years old or younger. With your support, we can help the next generation of indigenous leaders forge their own unique paths to a brighter future and stronger communities through the guidance and scholarships provided by The College Fund. This blanket is one way you can help.

Learn more at these links:

Special Edition Water Blanket: Learn More

Pendleton blankets for The College Fund: Learn More

Pendleton label with bald eagle: "Pendleton since 1863 Highest Quality Made in the USA."

Grand Canyon Historic Train Depot Project is Underway!

December 13, 2018April 21, 2020 / pendletonwoolenmills / 4 Comments

Editor’s note:

We have been working with the National Park Foundation for years to protect and preserve America’s national parks through donations generated by purchase of select products. You’ve already read about the restoration of the Grand Helical Stairway at Many Glacier Lodge (now complete); this report concerns our second project, a major restoration of the Grand Canyon Train Depot. Here’s an update from the National Park Foundation.

An old black and white photo of the Grand Canyon depot.

With support from Pendleton and their licensed collaboration partners, the National Park Service facilitated the kick-off of a multi-year project to restore the Historic Grand Canyon Train Depot at Grand Canyon National Park. The full scope of the project will allow future generations to experience and enjoy this popular landmark for many years to come.

Background

The Grand Canyon Depot is a National Historic Landmark constructed in 1910, nine years prior to the Grand Canyon’s official national park designation. The depot is one of three remaining structural log railroad depots in America and still serves an operating railroad. Originally built for the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad, it helped establish the rustic western sense of place for the Grand Canyon. The depot is one of the park’s “front doors,” serving not only as a major arrival point for thousands of visitors each year but a gathering site for over 100 years. Today, it is threatened by serious physical deterioration and fails to meet accessibility standards and adequate function for visitor enjoyment. The restoration project is an attempt to ensure this iconic structure remains accessible and intact in preserving the history of the park.

A color photo of the exterior of the Grand Canyon Train Depot. A historic log building with the words "Grand Canyon" on the front gable.

Project Update

Initial work began in late 2017 to produce a scope of work for updating the Historic Structure Report and completion of structural analysis on certain sections of the depot to create an informed treatment plan. The National Park Service secured professionals for contract services to complete both tasks and entered into agreements to begin these assessments. In May of 2018, a structural engineer, architectural preservationist and wood scientist began visual analysis, condition assessment, and structural integrity testing – all necessary steps to evaluate the current building condition in preparation for restoration and preservation.

A man works on the exterior of the Grand Canyon Depot building.
Using information gathered during the on-site analysis, the team began to determine building decay patterns and draft a treatment plan. At the same time, an architect has continued to update the depot’s existing Historic Structure Report. This report now includes current structural condition assessment and treatment recommendations, with a special focus on the exterior building envelope which includes the roof, siding, log structure, doors and windows.

A man works on the exterior of the Grand Canyon Depot building.

Through these efforts, the National Park Service will have a comprehensive report on the status and integrity of the depot and will have expert recommendations for restoration and repair. Once the information collection and planning pieces are complete, the project will move into the repair phase. Depending on the extent of the treatment recommendations and funding, structural repairs are expected to begin in late 2018 or early 2019.

A man works on the exterior of the Grand Canyon Depot building.

The depot is currently open and in use for railway passenger services under the operation of Grand Canyon Railway. The hope is that the depot will remain open for the duration of repairs. The efforts underway will result in a restored and sustainable train depot, poised to educate visitors about the rich history of the Grand Canyon for decades to come. With over 6 million visits to the Grand Canyon each year, it’s a gift that will have a resounding positive impact on the park and visitor experience.

We appreciate the generous support of Pendleton and their licensed collaboration partners on this critical project. Additional status updates will be provided in 2019 as implementation begins.

We are excited to watch the progress of this much-needed restoration in 2019, and will keep you all posted. Thank you for your support!

You can see our National Parks products here: Pendleton for the National Parks

National-Park-Collection-100_Color-Logo

NARA for Native Women’s Healthcare and #givingtuesday

November 27, 2018April 22, 2020 / pendletonwoolenmills / 1 Comment

NARA: Women's healthcare staff and advocates at the Native Women's Health Clinic supported by a special Pendleton Chief Joseph design.

A special night for women’s health care

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Indigenous Pink Day, NARA partnered with the American Indian Cancer Foundation and EPIC Imaging to provide a special mammogram night for AI/AN women on Oct 4, 2018, where they featured the cherry Chief Joseph blanket. They also had a “wear pink” Indigenous Pink Day campaign at NARA, with information about breast cancer and how to schedule a mammogram in their clinic lobby. Staff and volunteers at all locations wore special pink shirts!

More weomen's healthcare staff and advocates at the NARA Native Women's Health outreach clinic.

Thanks to all who participated!

Pendleton’s donation

Throughout October and November, Pendleton has increased our ongoing donation to NARA’s Women’s Wellness Program to support breast cancer awareness and treatment in Native American communities in the Northwest. 20% of proceeds from the Chief Joseph blanket and baby blanket in the special “Cherry” color support NARA’s work with Native women. This bold and beautiful blanket makes a difference.

A cherry-pink Chief Joseph blanket, folded and draped on a windowseat. This special blanket benefits the Native American women's clinic at NARA.

A purchase of this beautiful cherry-pink blanket benefits the women’s health program of NARA, the Native American Rehabilitation Association of the Northwest, INC.

NARA is a Native American-owned, Native American-operated, nonprofit agency.

NARA Women’s Wellness Program

The NARA Women’s Wellness Program provides culturally tailored breast and cervical cancer screening and diagnostic services for American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) women (and other women in need), 21 to 64 years of age. These women include underserved, uninsured, underinsured and those that are rarely or have never been screened for breast and cervical cancer. In additional to screening and diagnostic services, NARA offers assistance with referral coordination, transportation and navigation of health care appointments.

Thank you for making a difference!

Pendleton logo label that shows a drawing of a bald eagle, and the words: "Pendleton since 1863 Highest Quality Made in the USA." This blanket is sewn onto all Pendleton's traditional wool blankets, which are still 00% made in the USA.

Supporting Fisher House in honor of Veterans Day

November 12, 2018April 22, 2020 / pendletonwoolenmills / Leave a comment

In honor of Veterans Day:

You can purchase one of three special blankets honoring veterans and we’ll donate 10% to the Fisher House Foundation to help military families. You can learn more about this non-profit’s important mission here: https://www.fisherhouse.org

Here are the blankets that will help support this important mission–and remember, the Grateful Nation blanket generates donations year-round.

Grateful Nation

The fabric of our nation is woven with the sacrifices of our veterans. This USA-made wool blanket honors the selfless service of these brave men and women. Centered on the blanket is a representation of the American flag. Each stripe represents a service ribbon awarded to veterans of historical conflicts from World War II on, and stars represent the 50 states, District of Columbia and five US territories. A portion of all sales of this blanket will be donated to the Fisher House™ Foundation, a nonprofit organization providing residences for the families of ill or wounded service members.

Brave Star

This contemporary interpretation of the American flag is a celebration of the patriotism of Native Americans. In 1875 Indian scouts carried messages from fort to fort in the West. Native American soldiers saw action with Teddy Roosevelt’s Rough Riders in Cuba. And soldiers from many tribes battled in World War II, Korea, Vietnam, the Persian Gulf and Iraq. Five Native Americans have been awarded the Medal of Honor for bravery “above and beyond the call of duty.” The design marries modern asymmetry and vintage Americana. The unique striations, using pulled out yarns, reflect an era when dyes were made from plants.

Mountain Majesty

Inspired by Navajo hand weaving created in the Southwest in the early 20th century, this pattern incorporates symbols of hope, abundance and successful journeys. Muted colors and mountain-like steps evoke sunset over a western landscape.

See all three the blankets here: http://bit.ly/2T1sNVu

Read more about our work with Fisher House here: FISHER HOUSE

Special Blanket Makes a Difference for Native American Women

October 24, 2018May 5, 2020 / pendletonwoolenmills / 1 Comment

October/November Awareness

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, and November is Native American Heritage month. Throughout October and November, Pendleton is increasing our ongoing donation to NARA’s Women’s Wellness Program to support breast cancer awareness and treatment in Native American communities in the Northwest. 20% of proceeds from the Chief Joseph blanket and baby blanket in the special “Cherry” color will support NARA’s work with Native women. This bold and beautiful blanket makes a difference. See it here: Cherry Chief Joseph

NARA

A purchase of this beautiful cherry-pink blanket benefits the women’s health program of NARA. NARA is a Native American-owned, Native American-operated, nonprofit agency. Learn more here: Native American Rehabilitation Association of the Northwest, INC.

The Native American Rehabilitation Association (NARA) Women’s Wellness Program provides culturally tailored breast and cervical cancer screening and diagnostic services for American Indian and Alaska Native women. NARA works to bring care to underserved, uninsured, and underinsured women, and those who are rarely or never screened for breast and cervical cancer. In additional to screening and diagnostic services, NARA offers assistance with referral coordination, transportation and navigation of health care appointments.

Yolanda Moisa

We had a conversation with Yolanda Moisa, most current director of the newest clinic run by NARA and the BCCP Director (Breast and Cervical Cancer Program), to learn about NARA’s women’s health program.

PWM: Can you tell me about your organization’s mission?

YM: Our mission at NARA is to provide education, physical and mental health services and substance abuse treatment that is culturally appropriate to American Indians, Alaska Natives and anyone in need. Our purpose is to achieve the highest level of physical, mental and spiritual well being for American Indians and Alaska Native people.

Our women’s health program is a critical part of our larger physical health outreach. It’s the women who make this program so rewarding. Throughout the 20 years of this program, we have helped women from all backgrounds. Each person is unique and has a story to tell. We save lives daily. Our hope and goal is prevention and no cases of cancer ever, however, the reality is that catching cancer sooner than later makes for a much better prognosis.

PWM: Can you tell us about some of your more rewarding moments?

YM: There are so many stories of success and how we help women, we are helping generations of women. A story that comes to mind is that we had a woman who had just moved to the Portland area and came in for another visit and our staff noticed she was due for her yearly women’s exams. When she received her results from her mammogram a small lump in her breast was detected. She did find out that it was cancerous, it was caught at Stage 1. We walked her through her options and our team was there to answer all her questions. Just having someone listen to her and help manage the many appointments that come with cancer treatment was a comfort. More importantly, she brought her daughter in and sisters in to be tested, again changing lives.

PWM: When did NARA form and how many people have you served?

NARA has been in the community since 1970, and offering medical care since 1993. Since 1996 we have helped Women receive 5,160 MAMS and 6,391 PAPS. We have two clinics, one at North Morris Street and our new Wellness Center on East Burnside. The women’s health program is housed in our clinic at 12360 E Burnside, Portland, OR 97233. The program offers women’s services at both clinics where screenings, and references for mammograms to low income, uninsured Native women. We want to provide early detection for breast and cervical cancer. As an urban facility, we’ve been able to serve members from over 250 tribes, nations, bands, who are all able to access any of the services here.

PWM: That’s fantastic. What drew you to this program, Yolanda?

YM: I came to NARA after many years in the corporate legal field. I’m a member of the Tule River Tribe in Porterville CA, and it was always my intention to return to working with Native Americans–to give back. Throughout my career I have volunteered and advocated for women and children. Coming to NARA was like finding a family that truly “got it”, understanding what it means to help our community. I see my family in the many faces in our waiting rooms: my grandmother, aunties, uncles, mother and siblings. I came in as a grants manager and was here for almost two years. I became clinic director two years ago, and was pleased when we received a HRSA grant that helped set up the pharmacy and pediatric program at the site. I’ve been here close to five years and have continued to appreciate all that NARA does. It’s pretty amazing!

PWM: Are there special challenges within the Native American community?

YM: For Native women, there is a history of trauma around medical services. Along with assault, abuse and harassment, there is a documented history of forced sterilization. This painful history plays into fear and mistrust of medicine.

Our CDC (Center for Disease and Control) grant allows us to do something special for Native American and Alaska Native women—weekend clinic sessions that we call the Well Women’s Event. These events are designed as a safe place for women. It’s not uncommon to have generations of women from families come together. The grandmother, mother and daughter will all come for the daughter’s first mammogram for support. We open the clinic to women only. Our guests are welcomed to a Native crafts night, and a women-only talking circle. The nurse on staff gives one-on-one advice and education. We offer cervical cancer screens here, and transport woman safely to and from an off-site mammogram facility.

Any woman who gets a screening receives culturally specific books about women’s health, including “Journey Woman: A Native Woman’s Guide to Wellness”. Through the generosity of Pendleton we were allowed to use Pendleton art forms in the books.

Women's wellness texts distributed by NARA. Pendleton patterns are used with permission in these culturally specific publications that help guide Native American women through health and wellness screenings.

When women see themselves in health materials, it builds trust and adds warmth to what can be a very cold environment. Some women come just for the community events, and that’s fine. Our goal is to make women’s healthcare safe and communal, almost a celebration of womanhood.

PWM: How does the Pendleton blanket help?

YM: Each purchase of the blanket generates a donation to NARA. The money will go into the women’s health program, helping us expand our outreach to various underserved and marginalized communities within Portland. We hope to start momentum that leads to continuing healthcare. If we can save one life, we’re proud. Hopefully with these added donations we will continue to help many more women. Thank you Pendleton!

The Chief Joseph blanket in a special Cherry color that benefits NARA. If you would like to help NARA through direct donation, feel free to contact Yolanda Moisa at ymoisa@naranorthwest.org or 503-224-1044.

If you would like to help through the purchase of the special edition Chief Joseph blanket (Cherry color only), see it HERE:

Chief Joseph.

Chief Joseph child-size blanket