A celebration of Indigenous culture today as Canada marks the inaugural Ribbon Skirt Day.
The event stems from the story of Isabella Kulak, an elementary student from Cote First Nation in Saskatchewan, who was shamed for wearing a handmade ribbon skirt to a formal wear day at school.
Traditionally worn by First Nations and Métis peoples, ribbon skirts are a centuries-old symbol of identity, adaptation, and survival for Indigenous women, girls, and gender-diverse people, and represents a direct connection to Mother Earth.
The bill to introduce National Ribbon Skirt Day was passed unanimously by Parliament last month, and calls on all Canadians to learn more about Indigenous cultures, traditions, and contributions.
