The Cowichan Tribes of British Columbia reached a deal to supply Cowichan sweaters for the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Winter Games.

The tribe had bid on a contract to produce the Cowichan sweater for Canada's Olympic team. The iconic design originated among First Nations in B.C.

But The Bay, the official supplier of Olympic gear, gave the job to someone else and was charging a lot more for the gear. The decision prompted a threat of a Native protest along the route of the Olympic torch relay in B.C.

The two sides reached an agreement to end the dispute. Cowichan knitters will become official Olympic suppliers, will be able to use the Olympic logo in retailing and will be able to tap into The Bay for marketing, promotion and other business transactions.

"Ultimately, this is going make a difference to the families of Cowichan knitters," Chief Lydia Hwitsum told The Victoria Times-Colonist. "I think it's great."

Get the Story:
Bay, band settle sweater dispute (The Victoria Times-Colonist 10/29)
Cowichan knitters win Olympic showcase to the world (The Vancouver Sun 10/29)
Cowichan Tribes reach Olympic sweater deal (CBC 10/28)

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Editorial: Fake Native wear won't win gold (10/09)
Olympic team gear called Native knockoff (10/8)
Native activists protest 2010 Winter Olympics (09/08)
Team Canada jersey features Native design (08/18)
Series: First Nations and the 2010 Olympic games (04/06)