On National Ribbon Skirt Day, we encourage everyone to take a moment to learn about the sacredness of the ribbon skirt and the importance of Indigenous traditions.
The ribbon skirt is a traditional clothing item worn by Indigenous women, girls, and two-spirit people to celebrate and honour their identity, culture and traditions. One of many teachings of the Ribbon Skirt is that it symbolizes the connection between women and two-spirit people to the Earth and the Grandmother moon. It is a garment worn with pride.
Did you know? In December 2020, 10-year-old Isabella Kulak of Cote First Nation wore a ribbon skirt to a formal day at her school. A staff member told Isabella that the outfit was not formal enough, and the story sparked a movement. Indigenous women from across the country began to share photos of themselves wearing ribbon skirts to show pride in their tradition and identity. The movement became so large that Canada now recognizes January 4 as National Ribbon Skirt Day.
Dr. Miranda Lesperance, Vice President of Indigenous Collaboration, Equity and Inclusion, Annette Klement, Cultural Safety Educator, and Jillian Larabee, Indigenous Care Coordinator wore their beautiful ribbon skirts today. Dr. Miranda Lesperance and her team are working to implement the equity, diversity and inclusion pillar of our Strategic Plan 2026. This pillar will ensure that the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre embeds equity, diversity and inclusion in everything we do, and provides a culturally safe experience for all patients and staff.
Left to Right: Jillian Larabee, Annette Klement, Dr. Miranda Lesperance
