Iiyika’kimaat youth group works to create space for Indigenous knowledge, one ribbon skirt at a time – Calgary Journal

October 30, 2022

‘My favorite thing that I have learned through this youth program is respect. Respect for myself and respect for all others around me’

As Canada’s Indigenous population continues to reclaim its lost culture and identity, a Blackfoot youth group named Iiyika’kimaat hosts cultural workshops to help spread that restored knowledge to the community.

This includes a workshop that shows young people how to make ribbon skirts and shirts that ran on Oct. 3-4.

Led by Blackfoot artisan Verona Woods, the workshop featured a lesson on teaching the significance of the clothing trend with the opportunity for youth to sew their own garments.

Until recently, ribbon skirts and shirts were generally used for ceremonial purposes. Today, the garments are not only used in ceremony but worn as a symbol representing resilience, identity and pride.

Read More: https://calgaryjournal.ca/2022/10/30/iiyikakimaat-youth-group-works-to-create-space-for-indigenous-knowledge-one-ribbon-skirt-at-a-time/