Sept. 16 was pronounced Walk a Mile in a Ribbon Skirt Day by Minister of Arts, Culture and Status of Women Tanya Fir.
Minister Fir issued the following statement on Walk a Mile in a Ribbon Skirt Day: “In addition to this pronouncement, our government is continuing the vital work of addressing gender-based violence in our province, recognizing that Indigenous women and girls are disproportionately affected."
In Barrhead, Robin Berard is an Indigenous instructor for schools and residents of the community.
Berard taught a class on how to make a ribbon skirt on Sept 18.
“It has not only been the ribbon skirt but it's a skirt alone because that's what women used to wear. The reason why they wore skirts was because they always maintained that connection with mother earth,” shared Berard.
“The minute we wear pants we were cutting off that connection. Same thing with the Teepee. It represents a woman in a long dress because we as women were co-creators.”
“We will continue to work with the Premier’s Council on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two Spirit Plus People and other community groups to ensure the action plan is well-rounded and survivor-centric,” stated Fir at the proclamation.
“Everyone deserves to be treated with kindness and respect, and to be safe within Alberta, and we are committed to making this a reality,” Rick Wilson, Minister of Indigenous Relations, was also presentation at the ceremony and shared his thoughts.
“We remain committed to walking alongside Indigenous people and communities in pursuit of reconciliation.”
“We continue to support Indigenous women, girls and 2S+ people in our province through funding programs like the Indigenous Reconciliation Initiative and the Community Support Fund.”
“Combined, these grant programs are investing almost $8 million each year to support Indigenous-led actions that enhance reconciliation efforts and strive to improve the well-being of Indigenous women, girls and 2S+ people.”
