National Ribbon Skirt Day in Canada celebrates the ribbon skirt traditionally worn by Indigenous women

By Rosalind Russell – According to Noojmowin Teg of Espanola, the day takes place tomorrow (Jan 4), and was celebrated for the first time last year.

The day was inspired by the experience of Isabella Kulak, an Indigenous girl in Saskatchewan who was shamed for wearing a ribbon skirt to a “formal dress day” at her elementary school.

Prompted by Kulak’s experience, Manitoba Senator Mary Jane McCallum put forward a bill in Parliament to recognize National Ribbon Skirt Day, which received unanimous support and was passed into law in December 2022.

Indigenous and non-indigenous alike are invited to wear a ribbon skirt in honour of the day.

Photo provided by Noojmowin Teg