Jan. 4 is the first-ever National Ribbon Skirt Day, a day where Indigenous women across the country are encouraged to wear their traditional regalia to celebrate their culture. • But is it appropriate for non-Indigenous people to wear ribbon skirts as a way to honour Indigenous women? Advocates say being an ally is the most important part of the answer. • "Sometimes it's important to understand when to be an ally and when you're taking up space in a non-healthy way," said Tala Tootoosis, a Plains Cree woman from Poundmaker Cree Nation in Saskatchewan. • She says non-Indigenous people sometimes approach her to make a ribbon skirt for them. When that happens, she asks what they’re wearing it for — and if it’s for a ceremony or other related event or occasion. • "Is it a performative thing, or is it because you're an ally?" she said. • "Are you going to learn about our culture and our trauma and advocate when you see six police officers around one small Indigenous elder on the street? It's so important to have those conversations." • To read more, click the link in our bio. • • • Reporting: Jennifer Francis/CBC Photo: Ben Nelms/CBC • #cbcindigenous