By Bert Zethof

The Bay has made amends with the Cowichan Tribes over the Olympic sweater issue.

On October 16th, I blogged about the Bay's mis-step in knocking off the authentic Cowichan sweater for its line of Olympic apparel. I suggested the whole affair was an opportunity for the Cowichan Tribes, if only from the wide publicity.

Today, the Times-Colonist reports that an agreement was reached that will see authentic Cowichan hand-knit sweaters for sale in the Bay's flagship store in Vancouver and at the aboriginal pavilion during the 2010 Games.

If the Cowichan Tribes are satisfied with this deal (and it appears they are given the Chief's comments) then the Bay has done an excellent job in responding to its community to make things right.

Likely what changed the mind of the Bay's leadership team was the consumer backlash. Whether the Bay's leaders have undergone a values shift remains to be seen.

Coincidentally, Cowichan Bay artist Arthur Vickers will present a "leadership desk" to Premier Gordon Campbell today. The desk carved from old-growth cedar is styled to resemble a First Nations bentwood box. Painted on the box is an eagle whose feathers have a light side and a dark side symbolizing that "we have a mind that gives us a choice every day to make the wrong decision or the right decision."

Business leaders, who have tremendous influence, have a responsibility to make their choices wisely. It is by their choices that the Bay continues to earn the right (or not) to exist.

We have to applaud the Bay's leadership team for admitting its mistake, hopefully learning from it for next time, and making amends.