Women, girls and Two‑Spirit people across Canada have marked the fourth official National Ribbon Skirt Day by stepping out in brightly coloured skirts that carry deep cultural meaning.
The day, held each year on 4 January, was created by Bill S‑219 after Parliament unanimously agreed in December 2022 to recognise the ribbon skirt as a centuries‑old spiritual symbol of womanhood, identity, adaptation and survival for many First Nations and Métis women and girls. The law was inspired by Isabella Kulak, a girl from Cote First Nation in Saskatchewan who was told in 2020 that her ribbon skirt was “not formal enough” for a school dress‑up day – an incident that sparked national outrage and support.
In a statement from Ottawa on 4 January, five federal ministers and Senator Mary Jane McCallum said the day honours “the enduring traditions, strength and vibrant spirit of Indigenous Peoples”, and reminded Canadians that First Nations, Inuit and Métis cultural expression is a fundamental right that strengthens the path to reconciliation.
Governor General Mary Simon said the ribbon skirt “has long been a symbol of womanhood, identity and resilience”, with colours and patterns that tell the wearer’s story and connect her spirit to the earth. She said it filled her with “joy and hope” to see a new generation of women, girls and Two‑Spirit people making and wearing skirts.
Community groups from Nova Scotia to Alberta ran sewing circles, workshops and photo projects to mark the day, often linking ribbon skirt making to healing from the ongoing impacts of residential schools and racism.
National Ribbon Skirt Day is being celebrated in a country where more than 1.8 million people – about 5 per cent of the population – identified as Indigenous in the 2021 Census, most of them First Nations. The day is intended not only as a celebration but as a reminder of the discrimination many still face when they wear cultural regalia in schools and workplaces.
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