National Ribbon Skirt Day in Canada

January 3, 2025

A vibrant handmade ribbon skirt featuring colourful ribbons carefully sewn onto the fabric. The skirt symbolizes identity, resilience, and connection to Indigenous heritage, which is celebrated on National Ribbon Skirt Day. — Celebrating National Ribbon Skirt Day—a symbol of identity, resilience, and heritage. Inspired by Isabella Kulak’s story, this skirt reflects the strength of Indigenous traditions. Credit: OVPI/IACE

Tomorrow, Jan. 4, marks the third annual National Ribbon Skirt Day in Canada, a day dedicated to understanding, respecting and supporting Indigenous cultures and histories.

The day was inspired by Isabella Kulak, a fifth grader from Cote First Nation, who in 2020 was told her ribbon skirt wasn’t formal enough for the school’s Formal Day. Ribbon skirts hold cultural and spiritual significance for many Indigenous Peoples, symbolizing identity, resilience and connection to heritage. Isabella’s story sparked a movement that led to the successful passage of Bill S-219 in 2022 by Senator Mary Jane McCallum, to formally recognize this important day on January 4, 2023.

As we reflect on the significance of preserving Indigenous histories and traditions, we also acknowledge UVic’s commitment to ʔetalnəw̓əl̓ | ÁTOL, NEUEL, and the TRC’s Calls to Action. National Ribbon Skirt Day serves as a reminder to continue honouring and protecting Indigenous cultures while supporting the resilience and strength of Indigenous peoples. It’s a call to action—one that reminds us that the work continues, and Nəw̓es šxʷ cən ʔay̓ šqʷeləqʷən | ÁMEḴT TŦEN ÍY, ŚḰÁLEȻEN— to bring in your good heart and mind.