01/04/2026
Today, January 4th, marks National Ribbon Skirt Day in Canada. It is a day to honor the identity, resilience, tradition and culture of First Nations, Inuit and Métis women and girls, inspired by the story of Isabella Kulak.
Cote First Nation youth, Isabella Kulak, was shamed by school staff for wearing a handmade ribbon skirt showcasing her Ojibway culture to a "Formal Dress Day" at her elementary school in Saskatchewan. Prompted by Kulak's experience, Manitoba Senator, Mary Jane McCallum, put forward a bill to parliament to recognize National Ribbon Skirt Day, which was passed into law in December 2022, sparking a national movement of support.
For many Indigenous cultures, ribbon skirts are symbols of pride and cultural identity, embodying stories and teachings passed down through generations. In 1884, the Canadian government introduced the Potlach Ban as an amendment to the Indian Act which prohibited ribbon skirts, ceremonial items and other cultural traditions from being shown or worn. This ban resulted in the imprisonment of countless Indigenous people and the confiscation of cultural and ceremonial items, many of which have yet to be returned to this day.
National Ribbon Skirt Day is a time to celebrate First Nations, Inuit and Métis culture, while remembering the discriminatory laws imposed upon Indigenous ways of life. It is also a time to reflect on cultural safety and how we as Canadians can continue to work towards Truth and Reconciliation.
See our incredible First Nations, Inuit and Métis Program team members wearing their beautiful ribbon skirts in these photos! 💜
