Groundbreakers: Eighth Generation x B.Yellowtail

Eighth Generation and B.YELLOWTAIL Announce New Wool Blanket “Groundbreakers” Collaboration

Eighth Generation, a Seattle-based small business that has become the first Native –owned company to offer wool blankets, and which recently opened a flagship store in the Pike Place Market, is excited to announce the release of a new wool blanket, a result of our partnership with designer Bethany Yellowtail (Crow/Northern Cheyenne). The All My Relations wool blanket is the first offering from Eighth Generation’s new “Groundbreakers” Collection, a collaboration between Eighth Generation and well-established Native American artists and designers.

The All My Relations blanket features designs of the Apsaalooke (Crow) & Tsetsehestahese/So’taeo’o (Northern Cheyenne) to honor and recognize the nations of designer Bethany Yellowtail.

Horizontal stripes and the Morning Star pattern reflects the Northern Cheyenne, and cross-laden vertical stripes and crosses reflect Crow elements. Traditionally, the two tribes were enemies with a longstanding rivalry.  This design weaves the differences and blends the similarities of each tribal nation into a symbol of unity. "In a time when many choose to divide & build walls, we choose to find beauty & commonality in one another,” says Yellowtail.

In a market dominated by non-Native companies selling “Native-inspired” cultural art and products, this collaboration between Eighth Generation and Bethany Yellowtail is a trailblazing example of self-determination and ownership by Native entrepreneurs. Eighth Generation aims to set the gold standard for how companies can align with cultural artists.

Says Eighth Generation founder Louie Gong, “This collaboration with a powerhouse like Bethany, who is so skilled and has a huge following, is not just an opportunity for us to expand awareness of our product, but to amplify our message: which is by working together, Native people can create our own opportunities and tell our own stories – we can change the status quo.

About this project, Yellowtail says, “When I first launched my brand, a lot of people said we should do a collaboration with Pendleton and with these other companies, like we needed their support. I always refrained from that because I didn’t feel they would understand the bigger picture. So I’m ecstatic that Louie approached me – I think it’s powerful to see Native businesses and people banding together and realizing that we can do it ourselves; we can step into our own power, and be our own best resource. I hope more Native entrepreneurs realize we are capable and we can create something beautiful and powerful for all people.”

The All My Relations wool blanket is now available at the Eighth Generation retail store at Pike Place Market (above the Gum Wall), as well as on Eighth Generation website and the B.YELLOWTAIL website.

*Photos by Thosh Collins