Warriors walk among us. From our soldiers and veterans, to people battling cancer, to your best friend with an indomitable spirit, we each know someone worthy of the title “warrior.” With our 2021 Warrior Wool Blanket Design Contest, Eighth Generation sought to honor warriors of all types with a new blanket design, and are proud to unveil our Warrior Wool Blanket by multi-tour United States Air Force Veteran, artist, fashion designer, and advocate Dante Biss-Grayson (Osage). “I am inspired by beauty, emotions, and the belief that art can inspire, empower, and heal,” says Dante. “I am from the Osage Tribe, and I am a straight dancer. I am also a multi-tour United States Air Force Veteran with acute PTSD that I am managing through art and therapy. As I unravel each traumatic event, I am in need of a platform to express myself. I find this in art, poetry, and fashion.” Dante is a multi-tour United States Air Force Veteran with over 3,000 days of service in-country. He served on Active Duty, the Reserves, and as a Federal Contractor in Kuwait, Afghanistan, Iraq, and Italy. He is also an artist, a fashion designer, a father and husband, and a powerful advocate for several issues across Indian Country. As a soldier, Dante has fought for his country, and as an artist and advocate, Dante fights for the health and safety of the Indigenous community. “My war is over, but there are so many other ways I can continue to help, and we can fight against these injustices,” says Dante. “This is only the tip of the iceberg for me, there is so much work to be done.” In his Warrior Wool Blanket design, Dante honors the special courage, strength, and sacrifice of his fellow women and men in the armed forces. Using in a striking blue and yellow—colors that often appear in military honors as well as Dante’s other work—Dante has created a minimal but powerful design. Three stars form the center of the blanket, which the viewer can infuse with personal meaning—do they represent a military award, a hard-won achievement, or even the soul of a warrior? Four lines band the edge of the blanket, making it a perfect gift for someone who has truly “earned their stripes.” The bold red accent has special meaning to Dante. “The red,” he shares, “symbolizes the loss and sacrifices of the warrior.” A committee of over 100 veterans and active service members, headed by Snoqualmie Tribe member Chris Castleberry, Tribal Veteran U.S.M.C., conducted a review of the submissions to our 2021 Warrior Wool Blanket Design Contest and were instrumental in providing their feedback and support during the winner selection process. Thank you to Chris and all of the other service women and men who helped during this process. 2-sided design Covers top of queen size bed (59 in x 78 in/ 200 cm x 150 cm) Colors include blue, yellow, and red Microsuede edge band 100% wool pile; 100% polyester warp Designed by Dante Biss-Grayson (Osage) Imported Dry clean Thank you for supporting Inspired Natives®, not "Native-inspired." 5% of all blanket sales support the Inspired Natives® Award for emerging arts entrepreneurs. Product Care: Recommended care is dry clean only; however, you can rinse your blanket on a gentle, cold setting and hang-dry away from direct sunlight Clean liquid stains immediately with warm water and mild detergent Never use harsh chemicals or scrub wool Store blanket away from direct sunlight
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