Today MNBC recognizes the first-ever National Ribbon Skirt Day. On January 4, 2021, 10-year old Isabella Kulak, a member of the Cote First Nation in Saskatchewan showed up at school with local community members wearing ribbon skirts after Isabella was shamed for wearing a ribbon skirt at her school in December 2020. National Ribbon Skirt Day is an example of work that is still needed on our path to reconciliation, but also symbolizes a show of united resilience and strength among Indigenous people.
Ribbon skirts are worn by Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ community members and represent strength and pride for Indigenous people who wear them. A symbol of individuality and a testament to the spirit of the wearer.
Métis artist, Kaija Heitland, was a recipient of MNBC’s Nakaatchihtow Artist Grant, She used the funding to research the history of ribbon skirts from a Métis perspective, and distributed 100 ribbon skirt kits with online classes and resources throughout the Métis communities in BC. You can find out more about Kaija’s Ribbon Skirt Project here: https://www.theribbonskirtproject.ca/history
If you, or someone you know is in crisis and needs support, please reach out to the 24 hour/7 day a week Métis Crisis line at 1-833-Metis-BC
(1-833-638-4722).