The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations Executive is calling on all school boards and divisions across the country to participate in a Ribbon Skirt Day challenge. It would be to honour all women and girls and to bring awareness to the teachings and meanings behind the First Nations tradition of making and wearing ribbon skirts.

Before the Christmas break, 10-year-old Cote First Nation band member Isabella Kulak wore her handmade ribbon skirt to her elementary schools “Formal Day”. While at school, she was informed by a member of the school staff that her ribbon skirt did not fit in with the formal day.

FSIN Vice Chief Heather Bear says, “First Nation women and girls hold much pride and tradition in their ribbon skirts, as do our men and boys with their ribbon shirts.” She says, “We want to encourage everyone to wear their ribbon skirts or a ribbon shirt to show support and stand in solidarity with Isabella Kulak.”