Utoo Radio and Other News Sources, May 30, 2024 Indigenous people in northwestern Ontario are angry with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) for adopting ribbon skirts as part of its ceremonial uniform.

They claim the RCMP has been instrumental in enforcing colonial law, violently seizing children from their homes, removing Indigenous people from their lands, and defending corporate and government interests in resource extraction in First Nations territories.

Artist and activist Lucy Atlookan from Eabametoong First Nation called the RCMP's move a slap in the face.

Since the RCMP announced the ribbon skirt addition, Indigenous people across Canada have criticized the move.

The ribbon skirt initiative was led by over 300 self-identified First Nation, Métis, and Inuit people, who sought guidance from their families, communities, and elders.

Joyce Hunter from Weenusk First Nation sees the ribbon skirt as problematic, placating Indigenous people without making any real change to human resources policies and work procedures.