Ribbon Skirt Day leader reflects on changes since her cultural attire was criticized

Isabella Kulak, a 15-year-old from Kamsack, Sask., has a box filled with letters and drawings of ribbon skirts sent to her from across Canada. These notes are from people who find her story and the origins of Ribbon Skirt Day inspiring.

“I have a whole notebook of letters and a stack of drawings from schools. It makes me feel happy,” Isabella said during a phone call. She is busy with school and plans to respond to the letters later.

Five years ago, when she was 10, Isabella wore a ribbon skirt to her school’s formal day. An educational assistant told her the skirt was not formal enough and suggested she wear a store-bought dress instead. This upset Isabella, and she returned home in tears.

“She went to school proud and came home sad, which broke my heart,” said her mother, Lana Kulak. The Good Spirit School Division later apologized for the comment, which Isabella’s father believed was racially motivated.

Isabella’s story spread quickly, sparking anger over the comments and support for her. “Now I see how much it affected people positively; they are not afraid to show their culture,” she said.

Her experience led to the establishment of National Ribbon Skirt Day in Canada. In December 2022, an act was passed to recognize January 4 as this day. Isabella returned to school on that date with family members wearing ribbon skirts.

“It’s like the world woke up and decided it was time for change,” Lana said. Schools across Canada have sent Isabella letters, including those in her box, which was originally an RCMP container filled with gifts.

Isabella received letters from children and even a retired RCMP officer from Kamsack. The family’s rise to attention has been overwhelming. “I don’t know if we’ll ever get used to being the center of attention,” said her father, Chris Kulak.

The family has met federal and provincial politicians. “We teach our girls to be humble and respectful,” Chris said. Although they don’t use Facebook, there is a support page for Isabella on the platform.

One post shows how students created a handmade book about Isabella’s story for younger students. For Lana, Ribbon Skirt Day represents more than cultural attire; it symbolizes overcoming intolerance.

“Isabella’s story has opened many eyes and created positive change for future generations,” Lana said.