“SCO citizens continue to reclaim cultural practices” – Grand Chief Daniels
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 4, 2024
ANISHINAABE AND DAKOTA TERRITORY, MB — The Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) is celebrating the second annual National Ribbon Skirt Day in what is now known as Canada.
“Ribbon skirts are significant and important to many First Nations citizens,” stated SCO Grand Chief Jerry Daniels. “National Ribbon Skirt Day was created in honour of Isabella Kulak, a First Nations girl from the Cote First Nation in Saskatchewan. Isabella showed courage and pride in her culture when she chose to wear a ribbon skirt to school. The Southern Chiefs’ Organization commends all First Nations citizens who stand strong in reclaiming cultural practices and ceremonies.”
The second National Ribbon Skirt Day is taking place three years after Isabella Kulak was shamed for wearing her ribbon skirt to her school. Bill S-219, An Act Respecting a National Ribbon Skirt Day, received royal assent in 2022 and is now enshrined in law.
National Ribbon Skirt Day provides an opportunity for Canadians to recognize, learn about, and celebrate the importance of First Nations traditions and expressions of culture.
First Nations girls, women, gender-diverse, and two spirit people often wear ribbon skirts in ceremonies and during special events. They are sometimes tied to a person’s spirit name and colours along with representing a person’s identity, diversity, and strength. First Nations people recognize ribbon skirts as unique and beautiful handmade works of art.
“Many members of the SCO team will be wearing their ribbon skirts, ribbon shirts, and perhaps even ribbon pants to work today,” added Grand Chief Daniels. “National Ribbon Skirt Day provides us with an opportunity to celebrate our cultures, our artists, and to have more conversations that increase understanding and respect for First Nations cultural practices. Reclaiming our cultures is another important step we can take towards healing from the impacts of colonization.”
SCO invites everyone to take part in National Ribbon Skirt Day on Wednesday, January 4. Post a picture of yourself in a ribbon skirt, ribbon shirt, or ribbon pants and tag SCO on social media for your chance to win a ribbon skirt kit!
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The Southern Chiefs’ Organization represents 34 First Nations and more than 85,500 citizens in what is now called southern Manitoba. SCO is an independent political organization that protects, preserves, promotes, and enhances First Nations peoples’ inherent rights, languages, customs, and traditions through the application and implementation of the spirit and intent of the Treaty-making process.
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Email: media@scoinc.mb.ca