Students in the Kaié:ri Nikawerá:ke Indigenous Bridging Program craft ribbon skirts and shirts in a first-year seminar

Students in the Kaié:ri Nikawerá:ke Indigenous Bridging Program are making their own ribbon skirts and shirts as part of a hands-on seminar that supports their first year at Concordia.

Kaié:ri Nikawerá:ke offers a pathway for First Nations, Inuit and Métis students to begin their studies without standard admissions requirements. During their bridging year, students get the prerequisites to transition directly into an undergraduate degree. Built-in academic and social support helps students feel confident in their next steps. 

The program currently includes students entering bachelor’s programs in engineering, commerce and psychology. Starting in fall 2025, students will also be able to bridge into degrees in journalism and science.

A key element of the bridging year is the seminar courses, held across students' first two terms. Led by Cheyenne Henry, manager of the Otsenhákta Student Centre (OSC), the seminars are a student-centred space for connection through open discussion and culturally grounded learning.

"The seminar is an opportunity for students to be reflective of their educational journey and to think about why they’re here, what it means for them,” Henry says. "It's so important to build that kind of reflection into education structures.”

‘It represents the beginning of their journey’

The project began with discussions about the cultural significance of ribbon skirts and shirts. Many Indigenous Peoples in North America have their own ribbon skirt and shirt traditions. The colours, fabrics and designs can hold specific meaning for a community, tell a story or serve as a form of personal expression. They can be worn during ceremonies or as everyday wear.

“The teachings around ribbon skirts and shirts can be different,” Henry explains. “But I think there’s a sense of pride in your Indigenous identity when you wear one.”

Once completed, students will inaugurate their skirts and shirts together with a feast, where they can invite friends and family to celebrate with them.

“It’s meaningful, knowing that this is something that they made, that they can bring along with them,” Henry adds. “They'll have them for future celebrations, for graduation. It represents the beginning of their journey."

Finding balance and support

For Jordyn Goodleaf, a bridging student preparing to enter the Bachelor of Commerce program, the seminar provides a welcome balance to her coursework in economics and math.

“It’s less head-thinking than my other courses,” she says. “It’s really been a chance for me to destress.”

This isn’t the first ribbon skirt Goodleaf has made — her first was for her high school graduation — but she’s enjoying the opportunity to learn new sewing techniques and create a more casual design. She is looking forward to wearing the finished piece.

Goodleaf, who is Kanien’kehà:ka from Kahnawà:ke, joined the bridging program after attending vocational school and working in administration in her community. Bridging into the John Molson School of Business allows her to build on the skills she has already developed through her work and studies.

In addition to the seminar, Goodleaf says she has appreciated the support network offered through the OSC, like weekly meetings with the Indigenous student success coordinator.

“We were very intentional about ensuring that the bridging students are immersed in the OSC, to be part of the larger Indigenous student community right from the start,” says program coordinator Saba Din. “Students are coming with varied experiences, and it might be their first time in this type of post-secondary environment. I hope that it strengthens their sense of belonging.”

Learn more about Concordia’s Kaié:ri Nikawerá:ke Indigenous Bridging Program.  Interested in applying? Sign up for an info session.