Ribbon Skirt Day, celebrated annually on January 4th, is a time to honour Indigenous women, their strength, and the rich cultural heritage embodied in the ribbon skirt. This day holds profound significance across Canada, symbolizing resilience, identity, and the intergenerational transmission of tradition.
The ribbon skirt, a vibrant and deeply symbolic garment, tells stories of survival and adaptation. Its colourful ribbons are more than decorative; they carry messages of connection, community, and the personal journey of the person wearing it. For many Indigenous women, the ribbon skirt is a cherished cultural expression that connects them to their roots and honours their role as keepers of sacred knowledge.
Leanna Willier, a coordinator of Cokel’s Indigenous Monitoring and Training program currently working on a Project, shares her personal reflections on the ribbon skirt:
“My name is Leanna Willier, and I am from Sucker Creek First Nation within Treaty 8. The ribbon skirt to me represents a symbol of womanhood, culture, and strength. It is a reminder of my sacredness as a woman and the power and responsibility that come with such an honour. The ribbon skirt tells a story of our adaptation and survival as the first people of Turtle Island. It is an identifying piece that connects me to the earth and Grandmother moon. I like to wear my ribbon skirt when in the presence of drums, pipes, feathers, and other sacred items and always when attending ceremonies.”
Ribbon Skirt Day, celebrated annually on January 4th, is a time to honour Indigenous women, their strength, and the rich cultural heritage embodied in the ribbon skirt. This day holds profound significance across Canada, symbolizing resilience, identity, and the intergenerational transmission of tradition.
The ribbon skirt, a vibrant and deeply symbolic garment, tells stories of survival and adaptation. Its colourful ribbons are more than decorative; they carry messages of connection, community, and the personal journey of the person wearing it. For many Indigenous women, the ribbon skirt is a cherished cultural expression that connects them to their roots and honours their role as keepers of sacred knowledge.
Leanna Willier, a coordinator of Cokel’s Indigenous Monitoring and Training program currently working on a Project, shares her personal reflections on the ribbon skirt:
“My name is Leanna Willier, and I am from Sucker Creek First Nation within Treaty 8. The ribbon skirt to me represents a symbol of womanhood, culture, and strength. It is a reminder of my sacredness as a woman and the power and responsibility that come with such an honour. The ribbon skirt tells a story of our adaptation and survival as the first people of Turtle Island. It is an identifying piece that connects me to the earth and Grandmother moon. I like to wear my ribbon skirt when in the presence of drums, pipes, feathers, and other sacred items and always when attending ceremonies.”