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The mission of the Owinza Quilters Cooperative is to support self-determination, self-sufficiency and cultural identity through a social enterprise that creates and sells hand-crafted Lakota star quilts. Owinza is a cooperative business made by local Lakota quilters from the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota.

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For the Lakota, the Star Quilt represents the Morning Star, the star that stands alone, just before the sun rises, shining brightly in the east. It is told that the star announces the coming of the sun and its light to the earth each morning. Therefore, it brings in each new day. Star quilts are significant in ceremonies. “They represent the direction from which spirits travel to earth and are a link between the living and the dead (in extension), thus symbolizing immortality.” – Atka Lakota Museum and Cultural Center. 

Today, star quilts are one of the most valued gifts made for giveaways, celebrations, and ceremonies. They are given at the most important moments in life including birth, coming-of-age, marriage, honor, and death. Star quilts are made to honor military veterans and dignitaries, for giveaways at powwows, baby naming ceremonies, funeral ceremonies, and sundance ceremonies. Quilts are also used to honor individuals who have demonstrated achievements in academic or athletic pursuits. Not only have Lakota quilters demonstrated the art of quilting by expanding both design and form, but this particular quilt has become a prominent gift to celebrate all stages of life.