Walk a Mile in a Ribbon Skirt Day, founded five years ago by a group of Maskwacis advocates, has now been declared as an official provincial day of awareness.
The day, to be recognized annually on Sept. 16, is about sharing the significance of the ribbon skirt and educating non-Indigenous people about the prejudices that Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit plus people may face while wearing a ribbon skirt. It's also a celebration of the strength and resilience of both Indigenous and non-Indigenous matriarchs.
"Our government is continuing the vital work of addressing gender-based violence in our province, recognizing that Indigenous women and girls are disproportionately affected," said Tanya Fir, minister of Arts, Culture and Status of Women in a release about the pronouncement.
"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.
“Everyone deserves to be treated with kindness and respect, and to be safe within Alberta, and we are committed to making this a reality.”
An inaugural Walk A Mile in a Ribbon Skirt event was held at the Queen Elizabeth II building in Edmonton on Sept. 16.
The event was organized by Chevi Rabbit, Katherine Swampy, Ceejay Courtright, Elder Lavinia Schug and April Wiberg. The walk was a tribute to Mariah Rabbit, the oldest living person in Maskwacis, and was established by the Rabbit family in her honour.
"It celebrates the matriarchs who lead their families and communities and seeks to build unity between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples," stated a release.
"The Walk a Mile in a Ribbon Skirt event invites everyone to join in walking together in solidarity, celebrating the sacred role of matriarchs and the strength they bring to communities."
Dr. Mariah Rabbit, originally from Samson Cree and of Montana Cree heritage, is well-respected matriarch and custodian on Plains Cree traditions.
The widow of the late councilman Joseph Rabbit, her family has an enduring political legacy, with many of her children taking on leadership roles.
Fluent in the Plains Cree dialect, she is an expert in moon skirts, feast rituals, and herbal medicines, focusing on women’s reproductive health. Her remedies have been sought by women across Canada and the southern United States.
She holds honorary doctorate from the Maskwacis Cultural College in recognition of her contributions to all Four Nations of Maskwacis and Treaty 6 territory.
"Dr. Rabbit’s role as a matriarch and custodian of Plains Cree traditions, combined with her family's enduring political legacy, makes her an iconic figure in the Samson and Montana Cree nations, Treaty 6, 7, and 8, and the great province of Alberta."
“Ribbon skirts are not only beautiful, they are also a symbol of strength, identity and resiliency within Indigenous cultures," said Minister of Indigenous Relations Rick Wilson in a release.
“We honour the resiliency and traditions of Indigenous Peoples, especially women, girls and two spirit-plus people, and we admire their many achievements and contributions to our province.
“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 dollars 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.”
Tymmarah Mackie, a non-Indigenous participant of the walk on Sept. 16, said being part of the event was both humbling and an honour.
"It’s important for us to show up when Indigenous friends ask us to walk with them," said Mackie, who is the founder and president of Fostering Diverse Communities Canada.
"There’s strength in numbers, and this is a strong group of women who came together to learn from each other and continue on their paths in a good way.”
