Dear Amber,
Thank you for writing in.
It’s not my place or anyone else’s to tell you how to represent yourself. It is up to you to gather information, think critically about it and make a decision based on that information. As a part of that decision making process, we then reflect and reevaluate our decisions based on our experiences to guide future decisions.
What is a ribbon skirt?
Ribbon skirts have become a universal symbol of resistance, land, and water protection and a symbol of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG).
Ribbon skirts are about women being empowered and remembering our sacredness, Tala Tootoosis shares that “It’s teaching them [women] to be empowered and that they already are resilient. Women already have power. A woman is protection because she is a woman. And when you have that understanding you learn boundaries.”
What is cultural high jacking?
Cultural high jacking is the adoption or theft of icons, rituals, aesthetic standards, and behavior from one culture or subculture by another without understanding or respect. This often happens to Tribal and other marginalized communities, whose cultural practices are treated as trends rather than being valued. For education and learning, it’s important to approach culture with respect, to ask permission when appropriate, and to support communities in keeping their traditions alive.
Why is cultural high jacking harmful?
Cultural high jacking is harmful because it takes away the meaning and context of traditions, ceremonies, and designs. When cultural items are copied or mass-produced, their history and spirit are ignored, and the deep connections they hold for communities are reduced to stereotypes or imitations.
Reflection Time
Take some time to consider the information I presented and ask yourself how this sits with you. Again, it is not my place to tell you how to present yourself to the world. That is your responsibility. By asking yourself these essential questions and being open to talking, considering, and acting with respect to yourself and others…you’re on the right track! Keep it up!
Simon Moya-Smith created a list of 100 Ways to Support Native People, that is an extensive list of things to take into consideration.
Good luck on your exploration,
Auntie Manda
