Students Cearra Orsini, left, and Carson Freeman, right, observe closely as artist Megan Gros Ventre Boy guides them through creating a ribbon skirt. The process builds sewing confidence while fostering appreciation for Blackfoot culture. Photo by Kerr Abueva.

Diverse participants gather once a month to create their own ribbon skirts at no cost with free materials and food provided by the research team.

Hosted by the Community Integration Through Art – Pissatsinaskssini program and in partnership with Lethbridge Polytechnic, the ribbon skirt event was created to learn more about Blackfoot culture and build lasting connections.

Sierra Stumborg, research assistant for the Creative Circles project of CITAP says participants receive free meals and also get the art project for free.

“We provide anyone with free supplies, the opportunity to talk to people and the chance to learn more about the culture,” said Stumborg.

Megan Gros Ventre Boy, Blackfoot artist from the Blood tribe west of Lethbridge, says teaching how to make ribbon skirts is understanding the cultural significance behind it.

“The ribbons did not actually come into our culture until first contact with the Ukrainians because those were gifts to us from them in trade,” Gros Ventre Boy said. “The significance of the ribbon skirt is a modern knowledge in being able to connect with one another.”

Throughout the event, Stumborg says they had participants who learned about their traditional names and they felt more comfortable using the traditional names they were given because they bonded with Blackfoot culture.

“Another personal standout moment is I was also personally given a Blackfoot name by an elder, which is something I hold with deep gratitude and will carry with me for my life,” Stumborg added.

Roberta Smallbones, faculty of the School of Justice Studies at Lethbridge Polytechnic, says being one of the participants gives her a great opportunity to learn how to sew and to create her own ribbon skirt in the middle of the busy school week.

“It’s therapeutic because you get to be creative, but you’re also around other people and you get to talk with other people, socialize and learn some of the Blackfoot culture,” Smallbones said. “I get to learn some of those traditions and I like the connection piece of it.”

Gros Ventre Boy says one of the biggest things she would like for people to take away from this program is participants do not have to be Indigenous to participate in these sorts of events.

“Our culture is very significant to our people and we keep our traditions close to us and our personal lives,” said Gros Ventre Boy. “When we are willing to teach about culture or about the significance behind something, we are doing it in a way that helps others understand that we are caring and loving people and we do enjoy sharing our culture and knowledge with others.”

Smallbones says if the ribbon skirt she made could send a message to someone, it would be for her mom who likes creating.

“I think this would be an important way to show that, even though my mom is not here anymore, I am creative and she can be proud of that,” Smallbones added. “It’s something she would love because it’s colourful, it’s a way of connecting and it’s about being with people.”

Gros Ventre Boy says she hopes people do not think they should be First Nations, Indigenous or native in order to wear a ribbon skirt.

“If it is gifted to you or you are taught how to make them, you are more than welcome to wear them anytime you want to,” said Gros Ventre Boy. “You can do so as long as you are doing it in a sensible and compassionate way that shows you understand the culture behind it.”

Smallbones says Gros Ventre Boy is so talented, patient with people and also a great teacher. She says she will remember how the artist is always willing to help people learn and the welcoming connection she gets from others.

“What I will remember most about being part of this event is the connection,” said Smallbones. “It’s also about people always growing because you don’t have to be perfect with anything and it’s a great way to come and be yourself while still having the room for growth.”

Visit citapprogram.com to know more about upcoming events.