Lt. Norm Hamelin of the Salvation Army blessed the blanket. Bernadette McLean, teacher, librarian and language and culture teacher, initiated the project. Students also learned about the significance of button blankets to the Tsimshian people. Once worn only by nobles as a sign of prestige, button blankets are ceremonial regalia now worn on special occasions like feasts, pole raisings, and other traditional functions. The garments are made from wool and feature crests made from felt.
Crests depict the wearer's clan.
They belong to the family and are passed down from their ancestors.