Keeping Traditions Alive: Ribbon Skirt Making Connects Holy Spirit Staff to Indigenous Roots

Earlier this April, Holy Spirit Catholic School Division staff had a unique opportunity to connect with Indigenous traditions through the Learn, Build, and Go Ribbon Skirt Making event. Led by FNMI Facilitator and skilled ribbon skirt teacher, Emily Fox, the session brought together a group of passionate staff members to learn, create, and celebrate a powerful cultural tradition.

Ribbon skirts hold deep significance within Indigenous communities. Traditionally, these skirts are symbols of identity, resilience, and connection to the land and ancestors. Often worn at ceremonies, dances, and other important events, ribbon skirts represent the survival, pride, and spiritual strength of Indigenous women and their families. Each skirt tells a story through its colors, patterns, and ribbons, many of which have been passed down through generations.

Fox shared her gratitude for the opportunity to teach these traditions and pass along this meaningful knowledge..

"We have a group of Holy Spirit staff members taking part in a ribbon skirt making class today. I'm blessed to have allies in the school division to help carry on these important traditions," she said. "They’re making their own custom-made ribbon skirt, to their measurements. They created their own pattern so they could make ribbon skirts further on, because this won't be their only one. It’s a special day to share that and how the ribbon skirts have been passed down through our culture and families."

For many participants, the experience was especially meaningful. Kristen Mazzuca, Associate Principal at St. Francis Junior High, reflected on the impact:

"The fact that Shelley Kirkvold and the FNMI team offers these opportunities in the division for things like making ribbon skirts is incredible," reflected Kristen Mazzuca, Associate Principal at St. Francis Junior High. "It's such a great way to get different people involved in FNMI culture and Indigenous ways through these Learn, Build and Go events."

Mazzuca said the timing for this event was perfect as she is preparing to receive a Blackfoot name in the coming month.

"We have an Indigenous naming ceremony coming up at St. Francis so, for me, to be able to have my own ribbon skirt that I was able to make myself and wear it at the ceremony, is pretty incredible. I'm honoured to be receiving a Blackfoot name. To be involved in this type of ceremony at our school, especially with our students who are receiving names at the same time, is a very special opportunity."

Emily Fox emphasized the broader significance of the event, noting the importance of allies learning and respecting Indigenous traditions.

"The ribbon skirts show a sense of pride in how our First Nations women have come a long way in our community. I'm blessed to be able to pass this knowledge along to others and keep this powerful tradition alive."

Thanks to events like these, Holy Spirit Catholic School Division continues to build understanding, foster reconciliation, and honour the rich traditions of Indigenous peoples—one ribbon at a time.