The Government/Non-Profit Initiative Blanket
July 24, 2008: Faye Wightman and David Morhart accepting the Blanket.
The GNPI Cowichan Blanket was presented to Faye Wightman (President & CEO, Vancouver Foundation), and David Morhart (Deputy Solicitor General), co-chairs of the Government/Non-Profit Initiative (GNPI) at the July 24, 2008 GNPI Plenary Session.
The blanket, made of sheep’s wool, was weaved by three generations of women from the Coast Salish Territory: Rebecca Campbell (Elder), Ann-Marie Rice (daughter), Sarah-Ann Rice Louis, and Angelina Rice-Louis (grand-daughters).
The weavers created the blanket specifically with the initiative in mind, and gave participants a visual representation of what was needed to make the relationship most successful. Its motifs include geese, a checker-board pattern, and diamonds and stars.
The Geese
There are four geese which represent the four seasons and four directions. Geese are considered the ultimate team players. They create a V-shaped formation in order to reduce wind resistance, and can therefore accomplish more together than if each of them acted individually. The leadership of the formation is shared by all members on a rotating basis, as the lead position must expend the most energy. If a bird is injured or falls behind, at least two others will drop out of formation to create a new flying wedge with their ailing comrade. The geese symbolize the synergies that are created when individuals work together and demonstrate the desired relationship and camaraderie between the government and non-profit sector.
The Building Blocks
The checker-board pattern symbolizes the structure, process and consistency needed between the government and non-profit sector to sustain a relationship. A checker-board requires two colours to work together in a consistent manner to form a stable relationship. The checker-board design also represents the technical aspect of working together. This panel is to remind initiative members of the technical aspects of the journey, and the need for stability and consistency.
Collaboration
The diamonds and stars in the middle of the blanket represent the diversity and uniqueness of the individuals and the communities that have participated in this initiative. Together, they symbolize a universe of possibilities. This section of the blanket is to guide and inspire members to reach their full potential, individually and collectively.
The Record Keeper
Since its reception into the GNPI, the blanket has become an integral part of the initiative. It serves as a neutral record keeper that absorbs the dialogues amongst stakeholders into the fabrics of the blanket. It has travelled with the co-chairs and team leads to nine different communities around the province during the Focus Group Consultations in October and November. It has also attended the Steering Committee meetings and most recently, the GNPI Summit held in Vancouver on November 19, 2008. The blanket helps to keep the conversations focused and honest, and reminds Initiative participants that we are all working towards a common goal.
