On Wednesday, January 4, the country celebrates Canada’s first National Ribbon Skirt Day, honoring Indigenous cultures, traditions and histories.
National Ribbon Skirt Day has its roots in the story of Isabella Kulak. A member of Cote First Nation, Saskatchewan, Isabella was humiliated for wearing her handmade ribbon skirt, in 2020, on a day when students at her elementary school were asked to don formal wear .
Traditionally worn by First Nations and Métis peoples, ribbon skirts have for centuries been a symbol of identity, adaptation and survival for Indigenous and gender diverse Indigenous women and girls.
“Today, I join everyone in celebrating Canada’s first National Ribbon Skirt Day, whether through celebration, ceremony or with their community,” said the first. Minister Justin Trudeau by press release. Every year now, January 4 will be a time for all of us to celebrate and learn more about Indigenous cultures, traditions and stories and their contributions to the diversity of our country.”
“Isabella’s story has brought to light the injustices, racism and discrimination that First Nations, Inuit and Métis still face every day in Canada and the importance of the role we all have to play in that no one in Canada ever has to go through the same thing as Isabella,” said the Prime Minister.
“This is a historic day for Cote First Nation. Isabella Kulak and her family have shown such humility in sharing an experience with the world that it is okay to be proud of one’s heritage and culture,” said Chief George Cote, Cote First Nation. , on the occasion of the promulgation of this day, on December 20th.