Champlain stands in solidarity with Saskatchewan student

Champlain School saw an opportunity for a valuable Indigenous teaching moment.

In January, Champlain teacher Catherine Siller came across a news article about Isabella Kulak, a Grade 5 student in Kamsack, Sask. and member of Cote First Nation, who was criticized by a non-Indigenous educational assistant for wearing a traditional ribbon skirt to school on “formal day” in December.

Kulak’s story quickly made the rounds on social media, where people across the world showed their support for her by sharing photos and videos of themselves wearing ribbon skirts or shirts.

Good Spirit School Division apologized to Kulak and promised to further investigate the incident.

“It was on CBC Kids News, so we talked about it in class and my students felt really passionate about the situation,” said Siller, who teaches Grades 5 and 6.

“We didn’t really spend a lot of time talking about the fact that there was adult who said something wrong. We know the story, but that wasn’t the focus.”

“We talk a lot in my classroom about the fear of the unknown. If we get to know people, a lot of times that can stop a lot of hate and discrimination. So, we took the idea that if we see someone that is wearing something from a different culture or tradition that we’re unfamiliar with, how can we respectfully find out about their culture and traditions? We put a positive spin on it.”

Siller said she has Indigenous students in her classroom who are very active in their culture. She said Champlain was designated a Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Legacy School in 2019, a national initiative that promotes reconciliation and reconciliACTION.

“We decided as a class that we’re going to bring awareness, so we decided to teach people what ribbon skirts are,” Siller said. “Two students who are very active in powwow replicated Isabella’s skirt on a big bulletin board. We also have an artist EA in my classroom who drew a picture of Isabella but left the skirt clear so that students could create their own ribbon skirt.”

“One Indigenous student talked about how there is a ribbon shirt too, so he took it upon himself to do some research and then taught the class about it. It turned into this big beautiful project. It’s that reconcilACTION piece. We’re teaching people so we don’t make the same mistakes again.” 

Champlain students Darasimi, Mason and Layla understand that it’s not OK to shame someone for their dress or their culture.

“What something looks like is not important, it’s the meaning behind it that matters the most,” Darasimi said.

“I don’t think anyone should be made to feel bad about who they are or their culture,” Mason said.

“If you don’t understand someone’s culture, never be rude,” Layla said. “You can ask in a kind way, like ‘Hey, I’ve never seen that type of skirt before, can you tell me a little bit about it?’”

Siller said she’s also in touch with person in Saskatchewan who will teach Champlain students more about the ribbon skirt and Indigenous culture.

“If we just got to know people and opened with kindness, if we actually spent some time and got to know each other, how much more of a positive place and environment would we be in?” Siller said.