Ribbon Skirts: A Powerful Symbol of Indigenous Identity and Cultural Revitalization

ribbon skirts and ribbon shirts

Ribbon skirts, a centuries-old tradition of Indigenous peoples, hold profound significance in ceremonial and daily life. These skirts symbolize identity, resilience, survival, and cultural connection, acting as an enduring link between generations. Today, ribbon skirts are making a resurgence, moving beyond their ceremonial roots to become a powerful expression of empowerment, personal identity, and cultural pride.

In this article, we delve deeply into the history, significance, and contemporary revival of ribbon skirts. We will explore their cultural importance, the personal narratives tied to them, and the modern-day movement surrounding their creation and wear. Through this, we aim to honor and elevate the legacy of this powerful garment, shedding light on how ribbon skirts are transforming from ceremonial attire into everyday symbols of strength and empowerment.

The Historical Significance of Ribbon Skirts

Origins of Ribbon Skirts

The ribbon skirt tradition traces back to the Indigenous cultures of North America, with variations across tribes and regions. Ribbons, initially introduced to Indigenous communities by French traders in the 18th century, were incorporated into clothing as a symbol of beauty, resilience, and cultural pride. These skirts were originally worn during ceremonies, where they played a pivotal role in expressing connection to one’s heritage and spiritual practices.

Each ribbon skirt is unique, reflecting the culture and personal history of the wearer. Historically, these skirts have been passed down through generations, often made by grandmothers or mothers who taught younger women the art of creating the skirts. This passing of knowledge is not only a cultural practice but also an act of preserving identity and connecting with ancestors.

Symbolism in Ribbon Skirts

Ribbon skirts are considered sacred in many Indigenous cultures. They represent more than just clothing—they are a powerful symbol of survival, strength, and cultural continuity. In many communities, the ribbons are sewn into the skirts with deep personal and spiritual significance. Some see the ribbons as a representation of the women in their community, symbolizing their resilience and connection to the land, ancestors, and family.

The process of creating a ribbon skirt is often seen as an act of healing and empowerment. For some, wearing a ribbon skirt is a declaration of one’s identity as Indigenous, a powerful statement of pride in their heritage and a form of resistance against colonial erasure.

The Modern-Day Revival of Ribbon Skirts

A Personal Journey: Alyssia Sutherland’s Story

For Alyssia Sutherland, the journey into the world of ribbon skirts was deeply personal. Sutherland, the creator behind the brand Ally’s Ribbons, was introduced to ribbon skirts at the age of 14, when she moved from Peguis First Nation to Winnipeg. Experiencing culture shock, she struggled with her identity until she found solace in the creation of her first ribbon skirt. This transformative experience sparked her journey into design, and she now advocates for the everyday wear of ribbon skirts, hoping to make them a symbol of pride, empowerment, and cultural pride beyond ceremonial occasions.

Ribbon Skirts Beyond Ceremonies

While ribbon skirts have traditionally been worn in ceremonial settings, today they are gaining popularity in everyday life. Alyssia Sutherland, along with other Indigenous designers, is championing the modern wearability of ribbon skirts, encouraging people to wear them not just for special events but as everyday expressions of identity. These skirts are a powerful means of reclaiming and celebrating one’s heritage, offering a tangible connection to culture and history in the face of modern challenges.

In cities and towns, it is becoming more common to see individuals wearing ribbon skirts on a daily basis. This trend signals a cultural shift, as more and more people wear these skirts to showcase their pride in being Indigenous. It is a powerful reminder that Indigenous culture, while rooted in the past, is very much alive and relevant today.

National Ribbon Skirt Day: A Symbol of Recognition

The celebration of National Ribbon Skirt Day, held on January 4 each year, marks a pivotal moment in the recognition of ribbon skirts as both cultural symbols and expressions of individual identity. The day was first celebrated in 2023, following an incident where a young girl, Isabella Kulak, was told that wearing a ribbon skirt to her school was inappropriate. This event sparked a broader conversation about the importance of recognizing Indigenous symbols and culture in mainstream settings.

National Ribbon Skirt Day provides an opportunity for Indigenous people to share the significance of ribbon skirts, both within their communities and with the broader public. It serves as a reminder of the need to respect and honor Indigenous cultural practices and to support the revitalization of traditions that have long been marginalized.

The Role of Youth in Ribbon Skirt Creation and Empowerment

A Community Effort: Teaching the Art of Ribbon Skirt Making

In communities like Peguis First Nation, the creation of ribbon skirts is seen as an opportunity for youth to connect with their culture in meaningful ways. The community-based organization Pegwasis Manidoo Makoons recently hosted a fashion show featuring ribbon skirts made by over 40 youth from the area. This event allowed young people to choose their materials, sew their skirts, and wear them proudly in a public display of cultural expression.

For many of these youth, this experience was a first step in learning the craft of sewing and understanding the importance of cultural symbols. It also served as an empowering opportunity to learn the value of creating something meaningful with their hands, as well as the sense of pride that comes from wearing their creations in public. The fashion show, aptly named “Proud To Be Me,” exemplified how ribbon skirts are not only a symbol of cultural pride but also a means of self-expression and empowerment for Indigenous youth.

Healing Through Tradition

Making ribbon skirts is often seen as a form of personal and collective healing. For many Indigenous people, particularly youth who are disconnected from their culture due to historical trauma, creating and wearing a ribbon skirt can be a way of reconnecting with their roots. It is a reminder of the strength and resilience of their ancestors, and an opportunity to heal from the pain caused by colonization and cultural loss.

The Global Impact of Ribbon Skirts

As Indigenous fashion continues to gain recognition on the global stage, the influence of ribbon skirts is expanding beyond local communities. The recent participation of Alyssia Sutherland in the Cannes Indigenous Arts and Fashion Festival is a testament to the growing international appreciation for Indigenous design and culture. This recognition is not only a celebration of the beauty of ribbon skirts but also an acknowledgment of the significance they hold for Indigenous peoples worldwide.

As more people, both within and outside of Indigenous communities, wear ribbon skirts, the garment is evolving into a global symbol of cultural pride, empowerment, and resilience. It is a powerful example of how fashion can be a vehicle for cultural revitalization, self-expression, and social change.

Conclusion

Ribbon skirts are more than just a piece of clothing; they are a profound symbol of Indigenous identity, resilience, and cultural connection. From their historical significance as ceremonial garments to their modern-day revival as everyday expressions of pride and empowerment, ribbon skirts continue to play an essential role in the cultural and personal lives of Indigenous people. As more individuals wear these skirts, both within Indigenous communities and beyond, they become a powerful statement of cultural pride and a reminder of the strength and resilience of Indigenous peoples throughout history.