Today, the Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations; the Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs, Minister responsible for PrairiesCan and CanNor; the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services, Minister responsible for FedNor; and Member of Parliament Jenica Atwin, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Indigenous Services issued the following statement:
"Today marks the second annual National Ribbon Skirt Day. January 4th provides all people living in Canada with an opportunity to recognize and honour the history, culture, identity, and diversity of First Nations, Inuit and Métis in Canada.
National Ribbon Skirt Day was inspired by the experience of Isabella Kulak, a member of the Cote First Nation in Saskatchewan, who was shamed for wearing her handmade ribbon skirt to an elementary school formal day and told it was not "formal attire". Isabella's experience sparked an outpouring of support from across the country, drawing attention to the need for increased awareness and acceptance of Indigenous traditions, cultures, and ways of being. Forgiveness, respect, and understanding are important parts of the Kulak family's way of being, and values we must all embody as we mark this powerful day.
