Sally Benedict Gifted a Star Blanket

Submitted by Les Benedict

Sarah (Sally Benedict) was recently presented with a Star Blanket from the Assiniboine and Gros Ventre Nation from Ft. Belmont, Montana. Her sons, who have hunted on the territory over the years, had the honor of presenting the gift given by Toby and Liz Werk, Hunting Guide and Hostess of the Guide Service and Blue Heaven Ranch, Harlem, MT and their children Frankie, Aubrey and Tilli.

Originally, Star Blankets were made from buffalo hides but now they are made from trade cloth. The blanket is named after the symbol that is sewn into the blanket, the North Star. The North Star is very important to the Assiniboine and Gros Ventre as it symbolizes guidance and direction pointing the way in life to all that is good. The North Star is continuous and bright, standing out among all others. Sally is the matriarch of her family of 6 children, 13 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. The star must always be displayed outward when worn or displayed. The blanket is large, precisely cut and stitched, and involved many hours of skilled craftsmanship to complete.

It is an honor to receive a Star Blanket and is very often given to persons by the Assiniboine and Gros Ventre to people they have not even met. Her sons, Mike, Leslie and Conrad, have come to know the Werk's through their hunting trips, stays at their guest ranch and participation in family dinners while their guests. Over the years, the Werk's have been gifted with items from Akwesasne such as lacrosse sticks, pack baskets and sweet grass baskets. The Benedict's are thankful to know the Werk's, and feel privileged to have completed the journey of the gift for their mother Sally.