Girl behind National Ribbon Skirt Day movement reflects on this day | 24CA News
Wearing a ribbon skirt is important and significant for Isabella Kulak, the 12-year-old lady from Cote First Nation who impressed National Ribbon Skirt Day.
“Now everybody could wear their ribbon skirt with pride without feeling ashamed,” mentioned Kulak.
Every 12 months any further, Jan. 4 will probably be referred to as National Ribbon Skirt Day, because it was handed unanimously into regulation by Parliament final month.
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In a press release, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau acknowledged the significance of at the present time.
“This National Ribbon Skirt Day, I invite everyone to learn from Indigenous Peoples about their cultures and histories – from languages to traditional ceremonies and regalia to ancestral ties to the land,” he mentioned.
“Together, let us amplify Indigenous voices and stand up against racism and discrimination to build a better society for everyone.”
The story stemmed from Kulak, who was shamed for sporting a ribbon skirt to high school on a proper day. The motion created a ripple impact throughout the nation the place Indigenous ladies wore their ribbon skirts in solidarity with Kulak.
“I’m super proud of my little girl for speaking up. It took an impact on her family. And I’m just happy that it woke up the world,” mentioned Lana Kulak, Isabella’s mom. “It’s like everybody is wearing more and more ribbon skirts. They’re being proud of who they are and not being ashamed and hiding.”
Lana Kulak mentioned sporting a ribbon skirt connects her to Mother Earth and offers her a lot pleasure in her identification. That educating was handed right down to her kids, together with Isabella.
“It’s like a secret power kind of thing. Makes me stand taller … and gives me an extra strength that normally I wouldn’t have inside of me,” mentioned Lana.
“It’s just an overwhelming feeling when I wear my ribbon skirt and when I see more and more people out there wearing their ribbon skirts and wearing their ribbon shirts, it just melts my heart and makes me feel so happy.”
On at the present time, her neighborhood will probably be celebrating National Ribbon Skirt Day at their native faculty, the place Sen. Mary McCallum will probably be in attendance, together with Indigenous leaders and numerous colleges.
The chief of Cote First Nation mentioned they are going to be acknowledging the importance of the invoice that was handed and thanking folks for recognizing ladies’s skirt day for not solely the nation, however for Canada as nicely.
“I feel very humbled knowing that our children are speaking up and also a band member from Cote First Nation coming forward,” mentioned Chief George Cote.
“I know (Isabella) is very overwhelmed. And, you know, I really appreciate her courage that she stood up for her heritage and the family that was behind her and also the leadership of Cote First Nation in the membership.”
The Kulaks encourage folks to put on their ribbon skirts, ribbon shirts or any Indigenous apparel on at the present time to show pleasure and identification.
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