Ribbon skirts were first worn in the early 1800s when clothing made from animal hide was replaced with wool and cotton and were decorated. [reference] Ribbons were added with the introduction of trade goods from Europe, and these ribbons “were meant to carry on the meanings and teachings." [reference]
Learn more about ribbon skirts HERE or HERE.
Recommended Reading
My Ribbon Skirts, by Shelly Nelson (the NVSD Indigenous Education team has copies for educators to sign out)