National Ribbon Skirt Day (January 4)

January 4 is Nationa Ribbon Skirt Day. Indigenous Ribbon Skirts are vibrant symbols of identity, resilience, and tradition among Indigenous Peoples on Turtle Island. Primarily linked to the Plains Indigenous communities, these skirts have evolved and are now embraced across various territories on the continent. Traditionally crafted from materials like cotton and leather, these skirts are adorned with colourful ribbons. These ribbons symbolize beauty, femininity, pride, and storytelling, conveying cultural significance through their patterns and colours, which often reflect family lineage and communal values.

For many people, wearing a Ribbon Skirt is a spiritual practice, especially during cultural ceremonies, powwows, and gatherings. It fosters a deep connection to ancestors and the spirit world while serving as an expression of resistance against colonial narratives, reclaiming Indigenous identity and challenging stereotypes.

The craftsmanship of Ribbon Skirts is an esteemed art form, requiring skill and creativity. The process involves selecting fabrics and intricately sewing colourful ribbons into unique designs that vary among communities. Traditional techniques are often passed down through generations, fostering community bonds and preserving cultural practices. Contemporary artists are innovating these designs, merging traditional elements with modern influences while respecting the Skirts’ cultural significance.

Indigenous Ribbon Skirts are more than garments, they embody a rich tapestry of cultural heritage and artistic expression. Worn and created with care, they serve as living symbols of identity and resilience, bridging the past with the present and representing the beauty and strength of Indigenous cultures.

The priority of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion identified in Strategic Plan 2026 ensures that the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre embeds equity, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of its operations, providing a culturally safe experience for all patients and staff.

For more information on Ribbon Skirts visit: https://ccdi.ca/blog/celebrating-national-ribbon-skirt-day/ or https://www.7generations.org/story-of-the-ribbon-skirt/

(L to R: Dr. Miranda Lesperance – Vice President, Indigenous Collaboration, Equity & Inclusion, Rae-Anne Robinson – Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Coordinator, Leona Kakepetum – Director, Indigenous Collaboration, Equity & Inclusion, Delaney Necan – Indigenous Care Coordinator (ICC), Carla Shawayhamaish – ICC, Gloria Boshkaykin – ICC

(L to R): Dr. Miranda Lesperance – Vice President, Indigenous Collaboration, Equity & Inclusion, Annette Klement – Cultural Safety Educator