EVERYTHING
Belle Brings Plenty (Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe) has secured the prestigious title of winner in the 2025 Tribal College Blanket Design Competition, earning her design Journey a place in Pendleton Woolen Mills’ American Indian College Fund blanket collection. The competition showcases the diverse talents of Native students enrolled at Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs) across the country, with Brings Plenty's work chosen from 33 submissions.
According to Nativenewsonline, this collaboration is a significant cultural and educational initiative. A portion of the sales generated by the collection provides nearly $50,000 annually toward scholarships for Native students. Furthermore, Pendleton’s long-term commitment has seen contributions to scholarship endowments and direct funding exceeding $2.5 million.
The Meaning Behind Journey
Brings Plenty, who recently earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from UTTC, developed the design as a deeply personal tribute to her late brother, Cole Brings Plenty, who passed away in April 2024. The blanket’s creation began as a sketch on parfleche (rawhide) earrings before evolving into its final form. Every element of Journey was intentionally chosen by the artist to convey comfort and connection.
The design is rich with Lakóta symbolism, weaving together various cultural references:
- Dragonfly Symbolism: The central dragonfly represents healing medicine, a powerful symbol in Indigenous traditions.
- Star Nation: As a traveler, the dragonfly is surrounded by stars, referencing Star Nation.
- Lineage and Craftsmanship: The border incorporates designs inspired by quillwork and beadwork, honoring Brings Plenty’s family lineage of artisans.
- Artistic Background: Diamond motifs within the design reference her background in creating parfleche art.
Cultural Significance and Design Elements
The color palette used in Journey also carries profound cultural meaning. Red and blue are utilized to represent life and death, while the dominant blue background pays tribute to the Wakíyan Oyáte, or Thunder Being Nation, acknowledging blessings bestowed upon her people. The design is further enriched by specific linguistic elements; Lakóta words identifying the symbols and colors are woven into the piece.
The artist shared the emotional intent behind the work: “I just want people to be able to connect with this blanket in their own ways. I hope people can be able to wrap themselves in this blanket and feel loved,” — Belle Brings Plenty. The Lakóta word for “journey,” Oómani, is incorporated into the ledger art design, tying the piece directly to its title. This annual competition serves not only as a platform to elevate emerging Native artists but also functions as a vital mechanism for cultural storytelling while generating substantial scholarship funding.
The partnership between Pendleton and the American Indian College Fund continues to celebrate Indigenous cultures and provide tangible support for future generations of Native students, making this design victory more than just an artistic achievement; it is a significant act of community investment.