Fust sisters help U of R Cougars get off to a flying start
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The Fust sisters have led the Cougars to a 7-1 record as they face Mount Royal on Thursday.
Wednesday marked the first National Ribbon Skirt Day, which honours the traditional Indigenous article of clothing.
Chief George Cote of the Cote First Nation said the story of Ribbon Skirt Day began in Saskatchewan two years ago.
He explained that Isabella Kulak went to her school in Kamsack wearing a traditional ribbon skirt, only to be told her outfit was inappropriate for a formal day. Cote said Kulak went home that day feeling ashamed and disgraced for wearing her traditional skirt.
The ribbon skirt, Cote explained, is traditionally worn at Indigenous ceremonies by women, and when seated the skirt represents a closeness to the ground and relationship with nature.
The Kulak family, which is part of the Cote First Nation, reached out to the chief and decided to start a positive movement after Isabella’s negative experience. They started working with the local school division to acknowledge the importance of cultural attire and the traditions around ribbon skirts, he said.
“It opened up the eyes for the local community,” Cote said, adding the day represents a strong statement against racism.
The chief said there was an abundance of support for Isabella, and it quickly grew into a national movement. The support for the event eventually led to the passing of Bill S-219, which marks Jan. 4 as National Ribbon Skirt Day across Canada.
“I really feel proud about it,” Cote said. “It gives our youth and other nationalities a chance to show their culture.”
Cote said he encourages other cultures to be proud of their traditional attire as well.
Sen. Mary Jane McCallum, who introduced the bill in 2021, was welcomed Wednesday at the Chief Gabriel Cote Education Complex on the Cote First Nation, where she delivered a speech and heard prayers from elders and an honour song for the Kulak family. The event was also marked with a dance, which Cote said represented unity and solidarity.
Cote said cultural events such as Ribbon Skirt Day show the spirit of truth and reconciliation in Canada.
“We are a strong nation, and we should honour one another,” he said.
Over the years, Cote said, different colours have been added to some ribbon skirts to bring awareness for important issues. Those include yellow to represent suicide awareness, orange for the Every Child Matters movement, and red for missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls.
“It doesn’t matter what cultural diversity background you have,” he said. “We should be standing together.”