Regina non-profit working on ribbon skirt library, teaching youth to make the garments

A Regina program is helping Indigenous youth connect with their culture and traditions through ribbon skirts.

The program, led by non-profit Growing Young Movers, is teaching participants how to make the skirts and understand their significance.

"Young people are learning those essential skills to sew ribbon skirts, but more so learning about ribbon skirts and the importance that we keep that piece of regalia alive in our communities for our Indigenous women," Clairice Tuckanow, a co-ordinator with Growing Young Movers, said.

The organization is working to create a ribbon skirt library at the mâmawêyatitân Centre in Regina. It will house skirts made by young women and allow others in the community to borrow them.

"It's just really reclaiming that grace and that beauty that our women had and that modesty to wear skirts and to really just again, take that, take that back," Tuckanow said.

Lena Goforth, a Grade 12 student at Scott Collegiate, said the program has given her meaning and helped her find her place at school. (Louise BigEagle/CBC)

Kyra Wesaquate, a cultural facilitator in Regina, said there is a deeper meaning behind the project.

"It is a direct connection to our ancestors and those generations have come before us," Wesaquate said. "When we choose those fabrics, those bright colours, it's to show our ancestors where we are, and they can easily find us just through those colours," she said.

The initiative fosters pride and confidence in identity through cultural practices, she said. Through each stitch, the youth are encouraged to reflect on their cultural heritage and connect to their ancestors.

The ribbon skirt project is a part of Growing Young Movers's broader mentorship programs, which provide paid opportunities and life skills to youth aged 14 and older.

Lena Goforth, a Grade 12 student at Scott Collegiate, said the program helped her find her place at school.

"I gained a lot of friends and a lot of strength," she said.

"It makes me feel really appreciative for the opportunities that we get here."

A program at Mamaweyatitan Centre is guiding youth to connect with their culture through ribbon skirts. (Louise BigEagle/CBC)

Goforth said she loves being able to make her own clothing for ceremonies.

"My ancestors weren't able to do any of this stuff because it was not legal," Goforth said. "It just makes me feel powerful."

The group has made 20 skirts so far. It hopes to open the ribbon skirt library soon and wants to expand to ribbon shorts in the future.