This story is part of a series by CBC’s Eskasoni Community Bureau. This series stems from weeks of conversations with community members about what they think is important to see, hear and read on CBC platforms.
Three generations of women are helping to bring back a garment worn by their ancestors.
Veronica Denny opened her fabric shop in Eskasoni, Nova Scotia, in the basement of her home about a year and a half ago.
Since then, her small family business, Jayah’s Quilting, has created ribbon skirt sets that help people connect with their Indigenous culture.
“No two dresses are the same, maybe the prints will be the same, but the ribbons are so different and they’re so creative,” Denny said.
“It’s coming back, people are starting to make their own ribbon skirts, and it’s definitely really popular now.”
Ribbon skirts date back to North America’s colonial past, when Native women used ribbons brought from Europe to adorn their garments, usually around the hemline.
Ribbon Skirt Kits
Ribbon skirts are usually floor length and feature brightly colored ribbon stripes. Skirts are often worn at powwows, weddings, and other special events.
Denny said his kits come complete with fabric, yarn, rubber bands, tape and adhesive.
Jolene Andrews got the idea for ribbon skirt kits from her mom’s shop because many sewing classes have been canceled over the past year due to COVID-19.
“It’s pretty easy once you know your steps,” Andrews said. “The hard part is measuring and cutting. And then after, it’s easy, but it takes time, so it can take up to five hours to make one.”
Ribbon colors make sense
Andrews said she and her daughter Jayah — the store’s namesake — create skirt kits for people of different sizes.
In just one month before the summer powwow season, Jayah’s Quilting sold over 500 ribbon skirt kits. The boutique offers a variety of fabrics and family credits that attract customers from as far away as Halifax.
Andrews said many people customize their skirts with colors that mean something to them.
“I usually put four ribbons on, but some people ask for five or more,” Andrews said. “Sometimes they use their children’s birthstones or their clan colors… It’s more personal or spiritual.”
Ten-year-old Jayah, Denny’s granddaughter, helps in the shop that bears her name by cutting ribbons and taking orders. She also started sewing items like blankets and doll clothes.
Beginning of sewing
“One day I will make a ribbon skirt,” said 5th grader Jayah.
“My favorite fabric is the one with flowers. Maybe I’ll make those kind of skirts.”
Denny said she never really wore a ribbon skirt growing up. But the 66-year-old says she is happy to welcome them back as part of a cultural revival.
“For a very long time, there weren’t many dresses,” Denny said. “Now everyone has their own…and mothers make those for their daughters and grandmothers. [skirts] and it’s special, it’s unique.”
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