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Indigenous Education and Cultural Services Events and Programming

Indigenous Education and Cultural Services hosts regular events, including ceremonies, cultural workshops and guest speakers. In addition to these events, we also host workshops and provide class presentations that introduce attendees to the history of Indigenous peoples in Canada, such as residential schools, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and how these continue to impact Indigenous peoples today.

One-on-one support is available for students who wish to learn more about Indigenous cultures from the Indigenous Cultural Advisor, as well as student mental health counselling from an Indigenous cultural approach. 

Programming

National Ribbon Skirt Day

Learn more - National Ribbon Skirt Day

The first National Ribbon Skirt Day was recognized and celebrated on January 4, 2023. Every year National Ribbon Skirt Day will provide an opportunity for everyone in Canada to recognize, learn about, and celebrate the importance of Indigenous traditions and expressions of culture.

Join IECS on Monday, January 6 to learn more about Ribbon Skirts. We invite you to wear your Ribbon Skirts or Ribbon Shirt and participate in a Smudge:

  • Baagwating Indigenous Student Centre | 9 to 10 a.m.
  • Mukwa's Den |10 a.m. to noon

What Is A Ribbon Skirt?

From: The Ribbon Skirt Project

  • The history of the Ribbon Skirt comes down to us through many cross-cultural interactions, and so, many different interpretations and expressions exist. Nearly all Indigenous groups across Turtle Island have a strong tradition in this iconic piece of clothing, and all have their own stories and protocol surrounding them.

  • A Ribbon Skirt can be a simple as a piece of clothing, or as Sacred as a piece of regalia used only for Sweat Lodge and Ceremony. It can be an expression of womanhood and strength, of remembrance of the Missing and Murdered, a symbol of defiance and protection of natural resources against corporate powers, or a representation of the journey of those who are reclaiming their identities through traditional practices. It is an identifying piece that connects you to the earth and Grandmother moon. Ribbon Skirts are a symbol of resilience, survival and identity, but their meaning changes with each person who wears one and each person who shares their history. 

  • There are many different meanings belonging to the colours, materials and number and length of ribbons on Ribbon Skirts. This is something that is specific and unique to an individual’s teachings, their nations teachings, traditions and protocol.

Bannock and Books

Learn more - Bannock and Books

Bannock and Books

Bannock and Books is an Indigenous book club series designed to bring hearts and minds together as we explore various topics pertaining to Indigenous culture, ways of knowing and experiences. 

Check back soon for our next sharing circle. 

Treaties Recognition Week

Learn more - Treaties Recognition Week

Visiting Elder Program

Learn more - Visiting Elder Program

The Visiting Elder program provides the opportunity to learn from an Indigenous Elder. Elders are important members of First Nation, Métis, and Inuit communities, and are recognized for their knowledge, experience, wisdom, harmony and balance. 

Check back for more information regarding the next Visiting Elder.