21/05/2024
History of kokum scarf.
In a relationship that goes back more than one hundred years, Indigenous peoples across Turtle Island (a name for Earth or North America, used by some Indigenous peoples in Canada and the United States) are displaying their solidarity for Ukrainian relatives by wearing the colorful floral scarves called ‘khustka’ in Ukraine or “babushka” in Russian, which were once traded between Ukrainian immigrants and the Cree Nation of Canada, who call them “kokum,” a Cree word for “grandmother.” These scarves have since adorned the heads of both Indigenous and Ukrainian matriarchs for the last century.
As a result of early cultural exchange Indigenous grandmothers adopted the kokum scarves and built meaningful connections with their new Ukrainian neighbors in the late 19th and early 20th century. Thousands of Ukrainian immigrants settled in Western Canada, and similar to many Indigenous Nations, faced persecution from the Canadian government. Understanding the shared hardships, the Indigenous communities helped their new neighbors, and from there, a historic friendship blossomed.
The scarves quickly became integrated into Indigenous culture for symbolizing prayer, strength, resilience, and entrepreneurship amongst Indigenous women and elders. The floral patterns of the scarves complement the Cree floral beadwork designs and have since been incorporated into traditional powwow regalia, as well as everyday wear.
Indigenous content creators and influencers across multiple platforms are posting videos and photos explaining their shared history with these beautiful scarves.
At the end of each ceremony, relatives of the young woman will receive scarves and other gifts that signify love and give thanks to different family members and community members who are connected to the woman going through the coming of age ceremony.
As mentioned earlier, the beautiful floral designs of the scarves complement the beadwork of many Indigenous Nations, and have become staple pieces in traditional pow-wow regalia. Both men and women have integrated the scarves into every-day wear like headbands, hair accessories, ribbon skirts, and the list goes on.
The scarves go beyond fashion, they have become a symbol of resilience of Indigenous grandmothers and matriarchy to ensure survival. People also wear them to show the women in their lives, who worked relentlessly to find opportunity, and to build relationships and cooperation among families and Nations.
With this deeply rooted cross-cultural history, the scarves continue to unite people from different parts of the world. They have now become a symbol to stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine, while also acknowledging the often forgotten friendship to North American Indigenous people.