Reclaiming Our Spirits - Ribbon Skirt Sewing Workshop Summary

On February 14th, Indigenous participants were invited to McDougall United for the Reclaiming Our Spirits - Ribbon Skirt Workshop. This workshop was a huge success and filled up very quickly, highlighting a need for more of these types of workshops. You can learn more about this event here.

Indigenous participants were invited to come together for a day of ribbon skirt sewing, healing and connection. The day began with a sharing circle in front of the Reconciliation Tipi. Each of the 14 participants were able to design and sew their own ribbon skirt with all fabrics and a large variety of ribbon colours available. Four sewing machines were set up in Hospitality Hall and the ladies could either sew their own skirt or get help from one of our sewing helpers. A painting station was set up for those who preferred to do a painting for healing. The day provided a relaxing and fun way to learn about this traditional piece of clothing and the chance to leave with a gorgeous new skirt. 

Reclaiming Our Spirits Workshop was hosted by the Urban Indigenous Circle and McDougall United Church. Funding was provided by the United Church of Canada, Embracing the Spirit Innovation Grant.

The workshop was facilitated by Certified Recovery Trauma Counsellor Teresa Snow, from the Stoney Nakoda First Nation, with co-facilitator Aimee Eagletail of Tsuut’ina.

A big thank you to our volunteers for the day: Rev. Tony Snow, Simon, Tracey Stevens, and Shauna Kennedy. In attendance were Elders May Favel and Philomene Stevens. Thank you to volunteers Christine Kennedy and Saadeeya for room clean up. 

Below are a couple photos that were taken by Shauna Kennedy.

To learn more about the Right Relations work that is happening at McDougall, please visit the Right Relations Webpage.