The iconic Hudson’s Bay point blanket has a long and complicated history with Indigenous Peoples. In this CBC Radio original podcast, Falen Johnson and Leah Simone Bowen explore its role in the fur trade – including rumors that it was used to spread smallpox. Go here

During the fur trade era, Indigenous consumers became experts in textile products. If a trade item was substandard in any way, they would refuse to accept it. This “buyer’s market” shaped the quality standards that HBC had to meet in order to meet customer demand.

How to Choose the Perfect Blanket for Canadian Winters

Although the colour pattern of the iconic Hudson’s Bay point blanket has been described as having specific meaning, there is no evidence that this was the case. The colour scheme was chosen because it was popular and easy to produce using good dyes at the time.

While the blanket itself might not have significant significance, the story of how it was used can help open a dialogue about Indigenous histories. Metis artist Chelsea Vowel reflects on her complex relationship with the blanket and what it can mean for family, community, and culture in this Canadian Art article.

Blankets for Canada is a non-profit organization that operates on a volunteer basis. Their members knit, crochet and sew blankets and send them to agencies that provide support for people in need of warmth from coast to coast. The blankets are then given to people in need, including those living with mental illness, addiction and homelessness. They are also given to people going through cancer treatments, or those who have experienced violence or trauma.