Star Blanket - Canadian museum of civilization
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Created in 2007 by Saskatoon multi-media artist Wally Dion,
a member of Yellow Quill First Nation – Salteaux – Star Blanket is made from discarded computer circuitry boards,
suggesting an updated interpretation of social connection and communication.
Its design – which includes the morning star, the circles of eagle feather bonnets, and sunrays –
calls to mind the patterns of traditional Plains tribes’ star blankets and painted buffalo robes.
The “star blanket” in Ojibwa culture was traditionally meant to serve
as a witness of an important event in the life of the giver as well as the recipient of the quilt.
Star blankets are still exchanged in this way, on the occasion of the birth of a child,
in naming ceremonies, and at weddings.
Dion created this contemporary version that continues to communicate friendship, security, warmth and comfort.
His focus is on modern realities of working class First Nations people,
with an emphasis on cultural change and survival.
