BISMARCK, N.D. — The American Indian College Fund's latest student-designed Pendleton blanket, titled 'Journey' and created by Belle Brings Plenty of United Tribes Technical College, sold through its initial allocation within hours of going on sale Thursday, according to the organization's online store. The fund confirmed that a second wave of orders has been placed with Pendleton Woolen Mills to meet demand, with fulfillment expected later this summer.

The blanket, which features traditional geometric motifs blended with Brings Plenty's personal vision of educational and cultural perseverance, was made available to the public Wednesday and quickly attracted attention across social media platforms, where Indigenous art advocates and collectors shared the design widely. By Thursday morning, the American Indian College Fund reported record single-day traffic to its merchandise portal.

American Indian College Fund President and CEO Cheryl Crazy Bull said the response underscored a growing national appreciation for Indigenous student artists and the stories embedded in their work. 'Each year this collaboration with Pendleton gives a student designer a platform that reaches far beyond the classroom,' Crazy Bull said in a statement released Thursday. 'Belle's work speaks to journey, resilience, and belonging — themes that clearly resonate with a wide audience.'

Pendleton Woolen Mills, which has partnered with the fund on the annual student design series for several years, noted that 'Journey' is among the fastest-moving blankets in the program's history. The Portland, Oregon-based company said it is working to prioritize restocking given the volume of back-orders already placed through the fund's website.

Proceeds from blanket sales support scholarships and programming at the nation's tribal colleges and universities. The fund encourages buyers on the waiting list to sign up for restock notifications, with the next shipment anticipated by late July.