Jaihline Ramirez, Indigenous Designer
Threads of Heritage: The Ribbon Skirt as a Contemporary Symbol of Indigenous Identity
Ribbon skirts have become a fashion staple around all of Indian Country. Although they are not "traditional" to any of the local tribes, women and girls have adopted the style to wear in lieu of more western formal attire. Each skirt, meticulously handcrafted, becomes a canvas for personal narratives and messages that hold deep significance for the artists who create them. A runway show at the Wrap Cocktail Party will showcase the creativity and craftsmanship of the ribbon skirts
About Jaihline Ramirez:
Jaihline Ramirez “ChaCha,” 20 years old, is a descendant of Warm Springs tribal member Joy Ramirez and has a hispanic heritage through her father, Jose Ramirez bloodline of Michoacán, Mexico. Ramirez has had recent experience in the indigenous fashion industry as a designer, beadwork artist, and model as well as working for the Warm Springs Camp Crew during fire season and as a performer for Northstar Painted Sky dance company in Beaverton, Oregon. Growing up on the Warm Springs Reservation in a culturally diverse household has has major influences on the dreams and aspirations of ChaCha from a young age through an environment of mixed traditional foods, music, art, and dance. Ramirez’ grandmother atwai Yvonne Arthur, a descendant from the Arthur family whom once had a homestead on the Northend of Warm Springs, had a passion and talent for creating beadwork for others which Ramirez hopes to carry on. After graduating from Madras High School, ChaCha has attended community college and plans to continue her higher education in Drug and Alcohol Addictions Counseling to pursue a career in advocacy for indigenous youth, provide opportunities for culturally enriched households, and break toxic cycles influenced by generational traumas. Her other hobbies outside of creating include powwow dancing, learning about her cultures, thrifting, and watching/playing basketball. Following in the footsteps of her sister, mother, aunt, and grandmother, Ramirez hopes to create heirlooms that carry stories told through their Warm Springs generations.