Sask. woman embraces National Ribbon Skirt Day despite racial experiences growing up

A creator of ribbon skirts from Kawacatoose First Nation, Agnes Yellow Bear, now celebrates the recognition of their culture nationwide, though it wasn't always this way. As a child, she faced discrimination in Saskatchewan related to her wearing of long skirts, leading her to avoid them. Yellow Bear, now a well-respected designer of dresses and ribbon skirts, overcame this through years of personal healing. She resides in Newtown, North Dakota with her family.

Yellow Bear stated, "As an adult, I've put forth significant efforts to overcome that shame and heal my emotional scars so that I could confidently express myself freely in any environment." She wants to pass on this belief to her children, emphasizing that they have every right to wear the clothing they or any other ribbon skirt designer has made.

Yellow Bear has started her own venture, ReeCreations, promoting the empowerment of Indigenous people through her clothing. She is thrilled by not only the success of the company but also the increasing popularity of the ribbon skirt movement. She stated, "The growth of the ribbon skirt movement has seen immense demand which has been really gratifying."

Yellow Bear recently created a ribbon skirt for the first Native American cabinet member in the United States, Deb Haaland. As per Bill S 227, January 4 is designated National Ribbon Skirt Day, inspired by a young girl from Cote First Nation who came to the limelight for being shamed for wearing a ribbon skirt to school. Indigenous women across the country have since been wearing ribbon skirts as a sign of solidarity with the young girl, Isabella Kulak, and her family.

Isabella's mother, Lana Kulak, expressed joy at seeing many people wearing ribbon skirts and openly expressing their cultural heritage. She said, I'm extremely proud of Isabella for her courage and the positive impact it has had in her community and beyond."

Isabella's bravery has served as an inspiration for Yellow Bear to continue boldly speaking out and standing for what's right. She expressed her pride in Isabella's courage, saying, "Not everyone has the bravery to speak up when they are picked on or bullied. Being part of this movement is truly rewarding. It feels like this day has been a long time coming."