Volume XIV
Number 5
Mar. 31/92

CAPILANO COLLEGE'S INTERNAL NEWSLETTER

Celebrating 20 Years 1968 - 1988

Native Awareness Week Draws a Crowd

Haida Button Blanket
on Display

An authentic Haida button blanket is now hanging in the
anthropology display case on the second floor of the C Building.

The blanket was donated to the College in 1991 by Helga
Borden, widow of noted Canadian anthropologist Charles
Borden.

The blanket is considered an excellent example of the
traditional Haida style. It is fashioned of navy blue wool with red
borders, an applique of a mythical bird figure and 476 buttons.
The blanket dates from the early 1950s, a significant time of re-
surgence of the button blanket among the Haida.

Like totem poles, button blankets are considered powerful
statements of status and identity. Worn as ceremonial garments,
they succeeded an older style of garment made from fur or
animal skin, and decorated with shells and amulets.

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The dance event during
Native Awareness Week
(March 9 - 12) drew
appreciative crowds at the
B building quadrangle, as
dancers from "Arrows to
Freedom" demonstrated
the richness of Native
choreography.

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OS CAPILANO COLLEGE