Pendleton Launches Initiatives in Support of Native Language Preservation

Chief Joseph Pendleton blanket
Pendleton's philanthropic partnerships will be supported by a portion of sales from products that incorporate the Chief Joseph pattern, with a commitment of at least $100,000 annually.

PORTLAND, OR – Pendleton Woolen Mills has launched a new philanthropic initiative to support Native community needs. The company has committed to provide yearly grants to non-profits that support Native American language preservation and help strengthen Native Americans who strive to serve the community as healthcare professionals. The philanthropic partnerships will be supported by a portion of sales from products that incorporate the Chief Joseph pattern, with a commitment of at least $100,000 annually. The initial organizations that will be recipients of the donations are First Nations Development Institute’s Native Language Immersion Initiative and the Northwest Native American Center of Excellence at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU). 

“Pendleton has had a relationship with the Native American community since our company’s founding over 100 years ago,” said John Bishop, Pendleton Woolen Mills President and CEO. “We are committed to connecting with the Native American community and supporting them to strengthen education, preservation and wellness. First Nations Development Institute’s Native Language Immersion Initiative and the Northwest Native American Center of Excellence at OHSU are both doing wonderful work in the community, and we are pleased to support their efforts.”

First Nations Development Institute’s Native Language Immersion Initiative supports programs for Native language retention and revitalization efforts that provide multiple cultural, social and economic benefits that can be life changing to Native American communities. 

“Pendleton Woolen Mills has stepped forward where the private philanthropic community has repeatedly failed to invest – in the important work of Native language preservation and revitalization,” said Michael E. Roberts, President and CEO of First Nations Development Institute. “Keeping Native languages alive is imperative to the passing down of Native ways. The commitment by Pendleton is an investment in the future, health, and strength of Native communities.”

The OHSU Northwest Native American Center of Excellence (NNACoE) works to sustainably address the healthcare needs of all people by increasing the number of American Indian and Alaska Natives in the health professions workforce through recruitment, training and retention efforts. 

“We are optimistic about the budding partnership with Pendleton to support training the future health leaders of tomorrow at OHSU NNACoE,” said Dr. Erik Brodt, NNACoE Director and Assistant Dean of Native American Health at OHSU. “This has the potential to be a profound step forward in the right direction to make certain that rural and tribal communities across the country have access to high quality, safe, affordable, and culturally congruent healthcare in their communities. We thank Pendleton for their vision and partnership.”