The Ribbon Skirt is an initiative of the Women's Indigenous Network (WIN), an employee-led, force-wide network for RCMP Indigenous women and two-spirited employees launched in 2021.
As of May 2024, there were 754 Indigenous employees who self-identified as women, non-binary or Two-Spirit in the RCMP, of which 311 are Regular Members.
On February 14, 2024, the Commissioner approved the addition of the RCMP Ribbon Skirt as an Indigenous cultural item of honour and distinction to be worn by Indigenous Regular Members as part of the uniform.
The Ribbon Skirt, a WIN-led initiative supports employee pride, advances culture change in the organization, and helps to build and mend relationships with Indigenous people and communities. The Ribbon Skirt, along with the Eagle Feather and Métis Sash, will assist in increasing the representation of Indigenous employees and hopefully support recruiting efforts. It also demonstrates the values of reconciliation, equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Traditionally, the Ribbon Skirt is a symbol of resilience, survival, identity and hope. The colours (Yellow, Red, Blue, White) amongst some Indigenous communities, represent the four directions, and they also represent the RCMP colours. The satin ribbons are adjacent to each other as they signify that all of us from the four directions are united rather than divided.
The Ribbon Skirt prototypes, protocols and usage of the Ribbon Skirt went through broad internal and external consultation with representatives from:
- Internal
- Women's Indigenous Network (WIN), various RCMP Indigenous Units, RCMP Reconciliation Working Group (RRWG), RCMP employee networks, Warrant Officer Group Culture, Innovation & Gender Based Analysis Plus (CIGBA) and Uniform and Equipment Program (UEP).
- External
- RCMP Manitoba Commanding Officer's Indigenous Advisory Committee, Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (MKO), WIN family members, communities, and meeting with Elders.
- Ribbon skirt-wearing police agencies
- Lakeshore Regional Police Service, Blood Tribe Police Service, Greater Sudbury Police, Anishinabek Police Service, and Tsuut'ina Nation Police Service.
The wearing of approved Indigenous cultural items of honour and distinction with the RCMP uniform will most often be with ceremonial dress for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous events with options of wearing the Red Serge or Blue Jacket.
Examples of appropriate occasions to wear an approved cultural item in a non-operational capacity include, but are not limited to: receiving an award or a national investiture; formal religious/spiritual services; weddings; RCMP or other regimental mess events; cadet troop graduations at Depot; formal dinners where Indigenous Regular Members are guests of honour; school talks; various presentations; Change of Command ceremonies; media events; community events and meetings as participants or in a greeting capacity of honoured guests.
The following Indigenous cultural items of honour and distinction have been approved by the Commissioner for continued use and wear by Indigenous Regular Members:
- Eagle Feather for self-identified First Nation Regular Members
- Métis Sash for self-identified Métis Regular Members
- Uniform Ribbon Skirt for Indigenous Regular Members who self-identify as women, non-binary and Two-Spirit
The long blue skirts are the standard Orders of Dress that all Regular Members can currently order. Indigenous Regular Members can order a Ribbon Skirt Kit that includes instructions and an alteration guide to assist with the placement of the ribbons.
The Ribbon Skirt is available to both serving and retired Indigenous members.
Additional information
- RCMP Gazette article – Breaking barriers for First Nations, Inuit and Métis employees