News
GDI MMIWG2S+ Ribbon Skirt/Shirt Healing Workshop
By Desirae Barker, Senior Program Coordinator
Aug 2, 2024
Posted in: Uncategorized
The following article was originally published in the GDI Communicator Vol. 18 Issue 6, June 2024. The Communicator is a monthly internal newsletter intended to celebrate the achievements of the management and staff of the Gabriel Dumont Institute. You can find the archive of previous issues in the Virtual Museum of Métis History and Culture.
In April, the Gabriel Dumont Institute (GDI), led by the GDI Culture & Heritage Department, held a series of inclusive workshops at Wanuskewin Heritage Park in Saskatoon, focusing on healing for those directly affected by Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit people (MMIWG2S+). Funded by a grant from the Saskatchewan Ministry of Government Relations, this invitational event was open to families and friends directly impacted by MMIWG2S+. Participants included Indigenous men, women, youth, and two-spirit individuals of all ages.
The workshops provided a space for individuals to come together, fostering mentorship and multigenerational learning experiences. This approach aimed to promote healing and solidarity among those impacted by MMIWG2S+, leveraging the strength and resilience within the community. Through shared activities and discussions, attendees had the opportunity to connect, support one another, and work toward collective healing.
The three-day workshop opened with a traditional prayer, smudge, and healing circle led by community Elders, which set a spiritual and supportive tone for the event. Participants then engaged in sewing and learned about the cultural significance of ribbon shirts and skirts.
On the second day, Newo Wellness delivered an interactive presentation that focused on paths toward healing, holistic wellness techniques, and self-led therapeutic practices grounded in Indigenous perspectives. This session aimed to equip participants with tools and knowledge to support their healing journeys.
By the final day, the participants had completed their ribbon skirts or shirts. The workshop concluded with a round circle discussion, prayer, and reflection session, again led by the community Elders. This closing activity allowed participants to share their experiences, reflect on their growth, and strengthen the sense of community and support built over the three days. Each participant was given a ribbon skirt kit and a copy of GDI’s resource, sînapân kîskasâkâs: A Guide to Making Contemporary-Style Métis Ribbon Skirtsto make an additional skirt to gift to someone within the MMIWG2S+ community as a way to continue to provide healing opportunities for others.
The Institute is proud to have been a trusted host of the workshop and hopes to continue offering similar workshops in the future. This event’s success highlights the importance of community-driven initiatives in fostering healing and resilience among those affected by MMIWG2S+.
This summer, the ribbon skirts and shirts created during the workshop will be displayed at the 2024 Saskatoon Exhibition to raise awareness about MMIWG2S+. The exhibit will include participant quotes and information on preventing violence against Indigenous women and two-spirit people, which will reach thousands of attendees.
