Today (Wed) is the first annual National Ribbon Skirt Day, passed unanimously into law by Parliament last month. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau explains that it originates with the story of Isabella Kulak of the Cote First Nation in southeast Saskatchewan. She was shamed for wearing her handmade ribbon skirt to a formal wear day at her elementary school.

Ribbon skirts are a centuries-old symbol of identity, adaptation, and survival for Indigenous women, girls and gender-diverse people. Trudeau says Isabella’s story shine a light on injustices, racism and discrimination faced by First Nations, Inuit and Metis in Canada every day. He adds that raising awareness of and protecting the unique and deeply personal traditions of Indigenous communities is essential to advancing reconciliation.