Canku Ota

(Many Paths)

An Online Newsletter Celebrating Native America

August 9, 2003 - Issue 93

The Fight Against Diabetes

Proceeds from the sales of limited edition Sakakawea Pendleton Blankets designed by renown holistic health practitioner Marilyn Youngbird will go to the diabetes initiative.

The diabetes "war" was declared several months ago by Three Affiliated Tribes Chairman Tex Hall. The tribe has one of the highest rates of diabetes in the nation, national statistics report.

The blanket project, focusing on Sakakawea, the Indian woman who accompanied the Lewis and Clark expedition, also is being done in conjunction with the Lewis and Clark bicentennial celebration, "to heighten the awareness of the contributions Sakakawea gave to the world and country, Youngbird, of Bailey, Colo., said. Youngbird, a member of the the Three Affiliated Tribes, grew up in White Shield.

Each double-sized blanket made by the Pendleton Woolen Mills in Pendleton, Ore., features Youngbird's photograph depicting Sakakawea and her baby portrayed by Jessica Grinnell and her niece, Zasha Grinnell, both of New Town.

The blanket project is a first for the Pendleton company, Youngbird said. "This is the first time they have ever used a photograph to make a blanket."

The blanket project has several goals: "to educate the tribal members about diabetes, to have grief counseling for members regarding the effects diabetes has on the individual, family and community," Youngbird said. She said the ultimate, and future, goal is to build a hydroponic fresh vegetable-fruit plant on the reservation.

"My prayer is to truly have the Hydroponic Fresh Vegetable-Fruit Plant operating by 2006, in time for the 2006 Signature Event at New Town. The signature event is part of the national celebration of the Lewis and Clark bicentennial.

For the Pendleton blanket project, Youngbird is working with the Wellness Coalition, the task force for the war on diabetes on Fort Berthold. She has also received the support of the tribal business council.

"We are planning to have a series of three blanket designs during Lewis and Clark bicentennial," Youngbird said.

The first 500 blankets being done are exclusive edition, first series, Youngbird said. She said each blanket will be numbered 001-500 and Hall will personally sign each one.

Each blanket will be sold by invitation, with several levels of donations starting at the first level (eagle), $1,000, then second level buffalo, $750, and third level wolf, $500. There will also be a level for those who want to donate whatever amount they desire.

A number of individuals, including a major corporation, already have committed to buying the blankets, Youngbird said. She said the first set of blankets will be ready by about Sept. 15, Youngbird said.

For more information, those interested can contact Youngbird at 303-838-0358 or e-mail her at: (ownstheday@aol.com).

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