Before Sunrise: A Navajo Artist’s Vision of Prayer and Protection
A remarkable new addition to Pendleton’s American Indian College Fund collection, is the Infinite Prayer blanket. This new design stands as a powerful tribute to Navajo traditions and the enduring strength of Indigenous creativity. Designed by Jenabah Yazzie, a student at Diné College, this student-designed wool blanket was selected as the winning entry in the 2024 Pendleton Tribal College Blanket Design Contest. More than just a stunning textile, the Infinite Prayer blanket is woven with symbolism, spiritual meaning, and personal legacy.
Infinite Prayer Blanket: Honoring Navajo Dawn Prayers Through Art
Inspired by the sacred moments of early morning prayer, Jenabah Yazzie’s design captures the beauty and spiritual connection of dawn within Navajo culture. The ombré colors that flow through the blanket reflect the first light of day – a time when Navajo people offer prayers and connect with their ancestors. This time is regarded as deeply spiritual, symbolizing renewal, hope, and the continuation of life.
Each design element in the Infinite Prayer blanket carries deep meaning. A light border surrounds the blanket, representing the enduring power of prayer. Bold triangles within the design reflect the love and protective presence of the Holy People. At the heart of the blanket, four centered rectangles symbolize the thoughts and prayers of the people, each anchored by a star that serves as a reminder of guidance and ancestral presence. For Yazzie, prayer is a living, moving force, always in motion, always connecting past, present, and future.
The Creative Journey of Jenabah Yazzie, Diné College Student
Jenabah Yazzie hails from Lok’aa’, also known as Reed Springs, a small community located just north of Teesto, Arizona. She is currently pursuing a degree in psychology at Diné College, where she combines her interest in human behavior with her cultural roots and passion for art. Motivated by the creative spirit of her late father and the traditional songs passed down through her family, Yazzie has always viewed artistic expression as a form of healing and resilience.
The decision to enter the Pendleton Tribal College Blanket Design Contest came after seeing a previous winning design online. Inspired and encouraged, she submitted her vision of Infinite Prayer. Her win in the competition earned her a $5,000 scholarship, $2,000 for educational supplies, and six personal copies of her blanket for her portfolio. For Yazzie, the recognition is not just personal; it represents a beacon of hope and inspiration for young Native artists. In her own words, she expressed gratitude not just for the opportunity but for the chance to inspire “all of the little rez kids out there waiting to live a big dream.”
Supporting Native Education Through Student-Designed Pendleton Blankets
The Tribal College Blanket Design Contest is part of Pendleton’s long-term partnership with the American Indian College Fund. For over two decades, this initiative has empowered Native students to express their cultural heritage through design while gaining professional experience in textile arts. Each year, the contest opens to students attending tribal colleges and universities, giving them the platform to transform meaningful stories into designs that reach a national audience.
The resulting student-designed Pendleton blankets are not only works of art but also engines for change. Proceeds from the sale of these blankets support Native education through scholarships. Approximately $50,000 in scholarships are generated annually through this initiative. Additionally, Pendleton contributes to a scholarship endowment fund that, along with past disbursements, now totals over $2.5 million in support of Native students pursuing higher education.
Wool Blanket Craftsmanship Meets Cultural Storytelling
The Infinite Prayer blanket is a product of Pendleton’s high standards of craftsmanship and commitment to honoring Indigenous voices. Made in the USA from pure virgin wool and cotton, it features an unnapped finish for crisp pattern clarity and is trimmed with a felt binding. The blanket is a tangible example of how modern design and traditional storytelling can come together to create something deeply meaningful.
Pendleton’s wool blankets are renowned for their quality, and the Infinite Prayer blanket is no exception. Woven in Pendleton’s American mills, it brings together premium materials and traditional Navajo themes in a way that is both respectful and innovative. Buyers of this blanket are not only investing in a high-quality textile but also supporting Indigenous artists and Native education.
Cultural Expression and Symbolism in the Infinite Prayer Blanket
What makes the Infinite Prayer blanket especially significant is the intentional symbolism woven into every element. The dawn-inspired ombré palette suggests more than just beauty; it evokes the sacred nature of early morning prayers in Navajo life. These moments are considered vital for spiritual renewal and are often used to seek protection, give thanks, and offer intentions for the day.
The light border, triangles, and star motifs are more than decorative elements. They carry the weight of cultural memory and spiritual belief. The light border signifies strength and spiritual protection, while the triangle patterns represent the Holy People—powerful beings in Navajo cosmology who provide love and care to the people. The central rectangles mark communal prayers, with stars embedded in them to reflect that ancestors and spiritual beings remain with us.
Yazzie’s ability to express these complex cultural values through a wool blanket is a testament to her talent and deep connection to her heritage. Her design encourages viewers and owners of the blanket to reflect on their own spirituality and to appreciate the enduring presence of those who came before us.
A Legacy of Indigenous Art in Pendleton’s Blanket Collection
The American Indian College Fund collection from Pendleton has long been a platform for celebrating Native creativity. Each blanket tells a story that reflects the values, history, and perspectives of the artist and their community. The Infinite Prayer blanket continues this legacy by blending Navajo tradition with a contemporary design approach that appeals to a wide audience while staying rooted in cultural authenticity.
This collection provides more than visual storytelling. It also promotes cultural preservation and recognition. By giving Native students the chance to contribute their voices and perspectives, Pendleton supports a future where Indigenous stories are seen, valued, and honored in mainstream spaces.
How to Support and Purchase the Infinite Prayer Blanket
The Infinite Prayer blanket is available for purchase through Pendleton retail locations and online. Each purchase contributes directly to the scholarship programs that benefit Native students across the country. By choosing to support this initiative, customers are helping sustain both the educational and artistic journeys of Indigenous youth.
Purchasing a student-designed Pendleton blanket is not just an act of appreciation for artistry. It is also an investment in the future of Native communities. Every blanket sold helps ensure that more students like Jenabah Yazzie have access to the resources and platforms needed to succeed and thrive.
Continuing the Tradition: Education, Art, and Cultural Empowerment
Pendleton’s partnership with the American Indian College Fund is a powerful example of how corporate and community collaboration can create lasting impact. The Tribal College Blanket Design Contest continues to be a source of opportunity, celebration, and cultural empowerment for Native students.
As future generations of Native artists step forward with their designs, stories, and visions, they will follow the path paved by students like Jenabah Yazzie. The Infinite Prayer blanket is more than a winner of a design contest. It is a woven prayer, a cultural touchstone, and a tribute to the strength of Indigenous spirit and tradition.
By honoring the past and investing in the future, Pendleton and the American Indian College Fund ensure that each blanket is a living document of identity, faith, and resilience.
Discover More Pendleton Blankets
Explore the full collection of Pendleton blankets to find designs that reflect heritage, artistry, and craftsmanship. Whether you’re looking for a meaningful gift or a personal keepsake, each blanket offers a unique story and supports a tradition of quality and cultural respect.