Our Grandmothers Dress: Reclaiming the Dress of Our Ancestors | Siobhan Marks | TEDxUWGreenBay

[@taradjokic867]

The resilience of the Anishinaabe people shines through these dresses. They're like a tapestry of survival and strength.

[@saturnsrings3608]

It's intriguing to witness how clothing can embody cultural identity and serve as a source of strength and healing for indigenous communities.

[@jeansammy]

This talk touched my heart, deeply. The historical trauma and erasure our Indigenous communities have faced are painful realities that don't get nearly enough discourse. These dresses represent so much more than fabric - they are symbols of survival and identity. Reclaiming this dress and sharing its stories is an act of healing and empowerment. Let us stand with Siobhan and help to honor their legacy. 🙏🌿

[@lizyvuen]

How wonderful that Neil's legacy of craftsmanship lives on with thousands of people.

[@michael-rivera]

"We didn't come here on ships, we didn't walk across a frozen landmass, we were put here by the creator." 👏👏

[@alaskabaked]

Wow, learning about the history of these dresses is like unearthing a hidden treasure chest of Anishinaabe culture.

[@CosmotechJunkie]

Witnessing the workshops where indigenous women learn to create these dresses is a testament to their commitment to preserving their heritage. It's commendable to see them passing down their knowledge to future generations, ensuring the continuity of their cultural practices.

[@catriona-walsh]

The intergenerational trauma faced by indigenous peoples has had profound effects on communities. The healing process they are undertaking is admirable, and the preservation of their cultural practices, like the making of these dresses, plays a significant role in that journey.

[@berdinaguest]

I remember growing up a bit and learning what really happened to the first nations of this country, being so shocked and angry by how much of it just never gets spoken about in any mainstream kind of way. I really hope that starts to shift.

[@spaghety9174]

Reclaiming this dress is not only an act of culture preservation but also a way of honoring those who came before us. Let us stand together in solidarity and celebrate this incredible heritage.

[@baileebrushell]

The reclaiming of these dresses is an inspiring movement that bridges the past with the present. It's heartening to see the younger generations learning about their heritage and carrying on the traditions of their ancestors. This dress holds immense cultural value for them.

[@konglum]

This talk is as much a tribute to the endurance of Indigenous communities as the dress is to their unwavering spirit.

[@emmasmythe]

Oh the picture of those two women at the workshop is so beautiful! The joy in their smiles is amazing. Just gorgeous.

[@davinachilds]

Siobhan's talk is a profound reminder of the strength and resilience of Indigenous communities. The journey of our grandmothers through history, from pre-contact to today, is a testament to their enduring spirit. The significance of the grandmother's dress as an identity piece is both heartwarming and heartbreaking. We must continue to support the reclamation of our cultural heritage and stand together in healing. 🌱🌸

[@siobhanmarks7012]

Chi miigwech. I really appreciate your comments.

[@imnotq5509]

a beautiful tribute to her people's heritage. Her words on the importance of understanding our history and the struggles we have overcome were inspiring. Marx's discussion of the murdered and missing Indigenous women crisis was particularly poignant. Her talk is a reminder that we must continue to fight for Indigenous rights and protect our communities

[@bobbywie]

"Our most memorable looks came out of our darkest time." Is a really beautiful yet heart-wrenching quote

[@olgasladekova]

This soft and humble woman is also so strong and powerful. You can tell that her grandmothers’ spirits carry on in her.

[@melrobertsreal]

Yes! This!

[@be-present-now]

I think it's so important for people to see this kind of stuff, even if it makes you uncomfortable, our indigenous people deserve respect and justice

[@dariasotnykova]

Her words really highlight the resilience and tenacity of Indigenous peoples.

[@bulldogggg]

It’s just heartbreaking what these people have gone through in the past. I hope and pray that the Reclaiming era in their history will bring them a brighter future.

[@melrobertsreal]

I hope so too

[@iamcomediam]

The photos at the 9:20 mark are so beautiful, I wish I had clothes that were handed down through generation like this. I wish my grandmother even had clothes that were beautiful enough for me to want them.

[@stephZandrews]

I just can't fathom how much knowledge, culture, language.... how much of everything was lost because of colonization. To me it feels like a literal whole other world was wiped out. It's beyond heartbreaking but I thank people like Siobhan who are trying their best to keep their culture going and bring awareness to it.

[@ishathalwar]

Only indigenous people really care about their history in an authentic way, it is not about the victories, or the riches or the egos - it is about family and tradition and the beauty of being. I love this talk.

[@siobhanmarks7012]

Other people care too! We are so grateful for our non-Indigenous allies who stand up with us and help us protect our lands, water and treaty rights.

[@eva-singer]

There's such a beautiful and magnetic energy to the way in which these clothes are crafted.

[@janetsplace1953]

there really is

[@mattgruic]

Gorgeous dresses. And what’s essential - they’re all handmade. And each of them is unique and incorporates not only beads and ribbons and embroidery, but first of all a part of their creator’s soul.

[@yolandast]

I would love to learn to do this

[@brooklynnorth9003]

I can see how witnessing the process of reclaiming the dress, and seeing women from different communities come together to learn and honor their heritage would create so much hope and inspiration for the future. So beautiful ❤

[@graysonmyles]

It's amazing to see the artistry and craftsmanship in these dresses. Your ancestors were true fashionistas!

[@bryanestelle]

I never knew the rich history behind these dresses. It's like a crash course in Anishinaabe culture and style.

[@miamay626]

I love the way she acknowledges her Uncles, such a beautiful part of Indigenous culture that you just don't see an equivalent of in western cultures.

[@abradisme]

I wish there was some kind of way to get back all the knowledge that was lost as a result from all that genocide. I'm so grateful to people like Siobhan for preserving what is left of such a beautiful culture.

[@ricardom.arnold]

We all must remember our grandmother's dresses, because it's not only about history it's about future.

[@oussamakimbo9535]

To know our past is so powerful!

[@abbyfcruz]

Siobhan's talk beautifully weaves the threads of history and resilience. The grandmother's dress represents a deep connection to our roots, surviving through centuries of challenges. The act of reclaiming this dress is a testament to the love and strength of Indigenous women. Let us honor their journey and stand united in healing and empowerment. 🌻🌎

[@cooltidbits]

Indigenous cultures have such a beautiful way of acknowledging ancestors and appreciating the journey has been walked and brought them to this moment. Seeing this appreciation makes it all the more devastating that so many had their lives and their culture stolen from them, cutting this tie to thier ancestors and culture.

[@themessimadetoday]

The traumatic experiences endured by indigenous peoples, such as the forced removals and boarding school era, are deeply saddening. It's important for us to acknowledge the historical injustices and work towards understanding and reconciliation with these communities.

[@nostatus4me]

I can't imagine the anger and frustration of trying to piece together your culture based on the fragments that were kept as novelties by the people who destroyed it in the first place. There's a lot of grace and patience within that.

[@donschuster]

Recognition and understanding of our Native Culture is so important. It could lead to mass healing.

[@jackrichards9402]

I love that there are workshops for this art form to be relearnt. Would be such a shame for this to be lost forever.

[@lisa-lio]

This talk does so much to shed light on the immense strength and perseverance of Indigenous peoples throughout history... The grandmother's dress carries generations of wisdom and resilience, despite the challenges faced. Continuing the traditions of learning to make dresses like this is not just a step towards healing but also a profound act of love for our ancestors and a commitment to our cultural heritage. 💖🌟

[@3leftfeet]

Wow, how special would it be to have a dress that was handmade with love and care by one of your ancestors? Something I'll sadly never experiences.❤❤❤

[@gertvermisen2000]

We are almost passively lead to believe that prior to contact people lived as savages and had so few resources and skill- just look at the intricacy and thought around practicality in that dress! This design is something most of us would appreciate and love to have in our own wardrobes now.

[@basilfaulty7643]

There is so much beauty, elegance and mystery in these garments. I can't help but feel this is a true reflection of the culture, and I mourn the loss of it.

[@siobhanmarks7012]

Miigwech. Thankfully, our culture is very much alive and being reclaimed in many ways, which is truly a blessing.

[@TheBooTThing]

Such a powerful testament to the strength and determination of Indigenous communities.

[@pengzhou6952]

Acknowledging those that come before us is the true way to understand history.

[@google_was_my_ideaforreal]

I found this talk to be incredibly informative. Her discussion of the grandmother's dress and its significance to her people was eye-opening. I had no idea about the decimation and cultural destruction that Indigenous communities have faced. Marx's talk highlights the need for us to learn more about our country's history and the struggles of its original inhabitants.

[@mydogbudisthebest]

I wish that I had the wisdom of my ancestors to help guide me through these trying times. It reminds me that we must ensure that the wisdom and knowledge passed down to those who do have their ancestors as guides is not only recognised but truly celebrated.

[@rubyguil4622]

What a beautifully delivered message of the pain our first people have endured, and the resilience many have to keep their culture thriving.

[@michaeljennings9599]

Orwell wrote “The most effective way to destroy people is to deny and obliterate their own understanding of their history.” What she is doing is making sure this does not happen. Good on her bravo.

[@natalyaguilerafigueroa]

I am not an indigenous person to my country, but this inspired me to learn more about the culture of the land where I live, particularly the women. There is something about reaching back into traditional ways of life that feels genuine and true and I would like to explore what that means.

[@yogidevish]

The studies that are in western grade schools to educate about Indigenous people of the country is not enough and it is so misrepresented. I loved this talk, the honesty and the real history. I will be sharing with some teacher friends, I think this is much better then a lot of what is taught. Real honesty is key. Thank you Siobhan.

[@winnipooh3212]

I love the way she acknowledges and honours her ancestors during the introduction of this talk. Such a small thing in terms of the time it takes but it makes such a huge impact on the energy of her talk.

[@iamacatslave]

My grandma had a beautiful ethnic dress that belonged to her grandma. It was amazing. I loved looking at it and admiring different details and decorations. She kept it in a big wooden box and didn't let me take it out by myself. Now I have this dress and I treat it with the same respect, I hope to hand it down to my daughter one day.

[@czarcasm2168]

Education is a powerful tool for decolonization and reconciliation. By teaching indigenous history and perspectives in schools we can really help to correct the distorted and biased narrative of history and promote understanding and respect. Thank you so much for this talk.

[@rusticsettings]

I wish we had the same respect for the clothing we wear these days - where it came from, how it's made, who made it.... These things really matter. It's respect for our land, respect for our people.

[@melrobertsreal]

Fast fashion for fast minds

[@yolandast]

It says so much about our state of being

[@glenda-russell]

@@melrobertsreal So very true

[@lucasgovenerst]

This talk was an excellent example of how we can learn about history through traditional practices. Her discussion of the grandmother's dress and its cultural significance provided a unique insight into the Anishinaabe community. As someone who is interested in learning more about Indigenous cultures, I found Mark's talk to be a valuable resource

[@mylittlesoulishappy]

A fantastic talk and one that speaks from the heart of the Indigenous experience. The journey of our grandmothers and the grandmother's dress is a reminder of the strength embedded in our cultural heritage. Reclaiming this dress is an act of defiance against historical trauma and a declaration of identity. Let us support this vital effort and continue to shine a light on our shared history. 🌈🌿

[@pavlova4727]

The beadwork on these dresses is so intricate, such stunning work.

[@mikethesailor]

Why are we still not teaching history as it happened? Thank you for this incredible talk.

[@rosemerle540]

The elegance and poise Soibhan as while she talks of such a devastating time in our history. I think we have come far in history but then I am reminded we have no made peace with our past

[@averyrothschild]

This is a perfect presentation of the horrible truths that plague our Indigenous communities. I am so ready for us to celebrate and learn from a culture that took pride and strength from the balance that was created in community.

[@jeanetteward]

This just showed up in my group today on FB, wasn't going to watch but I accidently clicked it, and I am glad I did. History teaches us.

[@charlesdonstand]

great talk...

[@michealdrozd]

I avoided watching too for a few weeks, and finally did, this is really good and showed me things I didnt know.

[@candicetriley]

this is so beautiful!

[@jeansammy]

So lovely.

[@madisongrace9146]

real elegance!

[@kendrasroom]

Siobhan is blessed to have had guidance to find her spiritual identity and place in the world for it takes a village to raise a child.

[@boogerrhymes]

They can take away all the land, the things we own, our freedom, but they cannot take away the spirit. This is a good talk, you need to watch it.

[@turkvestule1668]

I finally watched man

[@ryleightucker]

I love this so much. What an amazing reminder of the challenges and triumphs Indigenous people have experienced. The traditions that are honored through those dresses represent so much strength and wisdom, reclaiming them is a powerful step towards healing and cultural preservation. I am not Indigenous but this talk makes me feel so inspired to support this movement.

[@katarinabloom]

I so loved listening to her speak in her Native language

[@carliewilferth]

I loved all the family ties and community she discussed. The pride and sense of belonging one would have coming from such a beautiful culture seems like magic to me.

[@yolandast]

It is hearty warming

[@cappikarlson]

What a marvelous woman. I can't even begin to imagine the connection to earth, the spirit, the hope.... All I know is for so many years us settlers have been so complicit in the spreading of lies and the burying of history and I hope that I can continue to educate myself in hopes that I can try and help in any way I can.

[@zeldaselsta]

Thank you for coming and telling this story. We must know it. Our kids must know it. Our kids' kids must know it.

[@hudsonhhack]

There is a respect and understanding of this amazing culture that really needs to be understood by all future generations

[@therealfocusguru]

"We could not even stop to take care of them let alone bury them." This would have been such a traumatic thing to live through

[@sangjhatnih]

A very heartfelt tribute to the history and strength of Indigenous communities! thank you.

[@blairfavers]

I really enjoyed hearing about the history of those dresses and how each piece reflected a time period. Thank you Siobhan.

[@siobhanmarks7012]

Miigwech for noticing and appreciating that. It shows the tenacity our grandmothers had in preserving our dress.

[@braulio.zamora]

Wow how humbling this is in understanding life, family and heart. We have lost so much humanity.

[@cappikarlson]

We have the ability to gain in back though!

[@darkclouds3320]

Bless this woman who wears the dress of her culture, stands proudly and talks softly. She is sharing Canadian history.

[@thecurenotthesymptom]

She is beautiful.

[@vivianpatgreen]

The connection and community Siobhan speaks of here is beautiful and one that many have lost in our modern society and I really believe if we are ever going to find balance, the only way to do is is reconnecting with our community.

[@georgeasper]

I just had no idea of the history and meaning within these beautiful pieces. Thank you for sharing with us Siobhan.

[@jackiehathway]

Very happy to see this pop up again, there is so much beauty in this talk.

[@angrybeagles4108]

Some of those patterns are so intricate, I can't imagine the hours put in to master the craft. So beautiful.

[@thetrevorbinder]

One of the best tedx talks I've ever seen.

[@luizantoniomachado]

Coming back to show my Children. Very informative and our children need to be educated about our history, properly. and how much it has hindered us.

[@davidangus6502]

Good on you Luiz, no doubt our public system teaches them no where near enough of the truth

[@juanlorenzojr]

I never thought about the traditions, dresses and history of my ancestors as something important. But getting older I see the necessity in knowing them. It helps me not to lose our national traits and not to lose ourselves.

[@annmerrychristmas]

She is a wonderful speaker, and to mix in such difficult history with the beauty of their ancestors work, very well done.

[@slowmodern]

🥰🥰beautiful🥰🥰

[@flodavis]

She is an elegant woman and very good speaker.

[@thereallybigdog]

I listened twice, 1st time I will admit my brain is going yeah yeah yeah, another victim group. Something must have stuck and I came back to hear it again, and I get it, we have a lot to answer for.

[@beckyfrensill]

She was fantastic to watch!

[@magdaselenski]

Bless her, this is as beautiful as the dresses.

[@edolieshars]

Siobhan, the amount of work that has been done to get to the point where the masses are finally starting to be educated is massive and brilliant - I am so grateful to those who continue to show grace and compassion in spite of what has been put against them.

[@Boss-1964]

Even though it's so heart breaking I love the way she speaks about her people - especially when she talks about what her ancestors went through, using "we" instead of "they" to me it shows a sense of connection that is so beautiful

[@siobhanmarks7012]

Miigwech for picking up on that. The dominant culture celebrates the individual whereas as Native people, we are about the "we" not the "I."

[@naomiveritas]

The way in which the land we live on has been able to thrive for as long as it has because of the amazing Custodians that protect it. It makes no sense to me why there isn't more education and celebration of the magic that has kept us in balance. Thank you Siobhan for this incredible talk.

[@ashmillen]

I want to learn more!

[@ankebloem]

It's so important to embrace such traditions. I am a firm believer there is a balance within our world we must respect in order to thrive.

[@pascaldegarde6756]

This is an important talk, don't just surf by, learn something and sit and watch!

[@morgannfields]

Took me a bit but yes it is.

[@vardajesty]

The bead work is incredible. The details, the colour. I appreciate Siobhan sharing this story and the craftmanship of such beautiful garments. Incredible.

[@maureenbrown7065]

The colours are my fave. The patterns, they tell a story.

[@shoelessjoe911]

@@maureenbrown7065 I only recently have discovered that the colours and patterns have meaning and represent different things. So beautiful.

[@hamlinr]

Oh my, what a beautiful talk. Most of the comments have covered it- I have not been so moved in such a long time. Thank you Siobhan

[@rawirinikau]

A nice talk about how we should understand who we really are, not only through tradition, but with also through national dress and tangible expressions of our culture.

[@agnespuentes]

This talk is so true it hurts, the dresses so beautiful they teach, bless you.

[@annmerrychristmas]

Oh Agnes, what a blessing you sent me, thank you.

[@lanazaja]

I have so much gratitude and respect for people like Siobhan who work so hard to the culture, I only wish there was a way to get back more of the customs and knowledge

[@iamnotfabio]

I would say that we are headed back to a time where we will put so much more significance on understanding the ways of life that our land prospered from

[@glenda-russell]

I think we are headed that way too

[@eliseseveniegn]

This was so incredible to watch. We need to be able to look back at our history and know how to do better and how we went wrong. This illustrates all of that so amazingly.

[@sonyakirby]

There is so much beauty and meaning in traditional indigenous clothing... Every color, every feature is there for a reason and represents something, family, history, a story of a particular tribe. It's so beautiful and so important to continue this tradition.

[@dariasotnykova]

Siobhan, you are a incredible presenter and the way you tell the history of our nation is heartbreaking but so perfectly put together. Thank you

[@warddouglas1982]

I hope this video is used for educational purposes in the future, I haven't seen something so informative and full of REAL truths of our history.

[@billy-martin]

This would be a perfect video for it!

[@camilaanders3419]

Our treatment of this nations first peoples is still a national shame, Bless You Siobhan!

[@abbeylordes7918]

thank you Siobhan for doing what you are to help educate in ways that will really help us to grow

[@happyamandaryan]

So so powerful and wonderful that you are keeping this art and this culture alive. Thank you for this talk Siobhan.

[@morefunallthetime]

I adore this woman, thanks for sharing her story with me.

[@lannydaslin]

Not only was this one informative, it was so beautifully presented and I can't help but want to know more

[@sukyevers]

Good share!

[@westhalbrook2472]

It took me much too long to watch this Lanny, incredible story telling here but like you said, I really would like to delve deeper.

[@harrydecker3979]

So informative... I had no idea...

[@theresarives]

These dresses are so amazing, and thank you for such a wonderful talk. Truth is in our history and in our future!

[@siobhanmarks7012]

Miigwech - thank you! I love our dresses as well!

[@theresarives]

@@siobhanmarks7012 😍 🥰