While National Ribbon Skirt Day is officially observed on January 4th, we invite staff and
students to participate on Friday, January 3rd, 2025, to recognize this important day.
National Ribbon Skirt Day is a meaningful occasion to honor Indigenous culture, resilience,
and identity. We encourage Indigenous women to wear their ribbon skirts with pride and
invite non-Indigenous staff and students to wear skirts in solidarity with Indigenous
peoples.
This day holds special significance, originating from an incident in December 2020 when
Isabella Kulak, a 10-year-old Grade 5 student from the Cote First Nation in Saskatchewan,
was shamed at school for wearing a ribbon skirt on a formal day. The overwhelming support
Isabella received in the aftermath of this incident led to the creation of National Ribbon
Skirt Day, officially recognized through Bill S-227 in March 2021.
Ribbon skirts are more than garments; they are centuries-old symbols of womanhood,
strength, identity, and survival. They represent a deep connection to Mother Earth and its
sacred medicines. Traditionally worn during ceremonies and special events, ribbon skirts
embody the diversity and identity of the wearer.
This day provides an opportunity for Canadians to learn about the significance of ribbon
skirts and to deepen their understanding and appreciation of Indigenous traditions and
cultural expressions. By participating, your school community can help foster solidarity,
respect, and inclusivity.
We hope you will join us in recognizing this important day. If you have any questions or
would like to share how your school plans to participate, please feel free to reach out
Candice.Sylliboy@novascotia.ca