Native blanket design honors Portland ad executive

DENVER, Colo. – The American Indian College Fund and Pendleton Woolen Mills of Portland, Ore., are introducing a new, exclusive blanket to the fund’s collection that honors David Kennedy, the co-founder of Widen+Kennedy.

For almost 29 years, Wieden+Kennedy has been a creative partner with the American Indian College Fund and led an effort that’s continued to raise awareness about the importance of higher education to ensure a better future for Native American peoples.

Kennedy was presented with the Contemporary Pawnee Pathway blanket, designed by Native artist Bunky Echo-Hawk, at a reception in his honor held on Thursday, March 28.

Echo-Hawk met Kennedy while employed by the American Indian College Fund and they continued their friendship as their paths intersected in the art world.

“The blanket design is saturated in traditional Pawnee color theory and symbology, while also reflecting a contemporary flare,” Echo-Hawk said.

“It is fitting that we are able to honor David on the 30^th anniversary of the College Fund with a blanket that reflects his creativity, his generosity and his belief that education is the answer,” said Cheryl Crazy Bull, president and chief executive officer of the American Indian College Fund.