National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Posted on 2023-10-07 07:00:00 +0000 UTC

Presentations by a Saskatchewan teenager who inspired National Ribbon Skirt Day, a Truth and Reconciliation awareness walk from A.L. Fortune to the Splatsin Community Centre by students from M.V. Beattie, A.L. Fortune, and Splatsin’s Shihiya School, art work, bannock making, flag raising, assemblies, and other activities took place in SD83 schools to mark Orange Shirt Week and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

Isabella Kulak, 13, of the Cote First Nation near Kamsack, Saskatchewan and family members were guest speakers at three of the presentations at Splatsin Community Centre, Salmon Arm West School, and the District Education Support Centre. Isabella and her family spoke about something that happened in December 2020 when Isabella wore her ribbon skirt on a formal dress school day. A staff member informed her that the skirt wasn’t “formal enough” and pointed out another girl’s purchased dress and suggested she wear something like that.

Isabella (fifth from left) is seen with four of her six sisters (who range in age from four to 18) as well as her mom, Lana, her dad, Chris, Adams Lake Band Education Co-ordinator Diane Anthony, Elder Lily, who is a residential school survivor, ***and Superintendent of Schools Donna Kriger.***

A ribbon skirt is worn by Indigenous women at cultural events as a show of pride and to honour their heritage. Isabella’s story spread quickly and she received a lot of support, including from Indigenous leaders and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

In her hometown, people showed up wearing their ribbon skirts or ribbon shirts to walk her to school. Still others, world-wide, posted photos on social media. During the presentations Isabella, her sisters, and her mom all wore their ribbon skirts. For more information about Isabella and National Ribbon Skirt Day, which is on Jan. 4, view this video: https://issuu.com/kci…/docs/kci-niwesq_issue_2/s/11815143