Unraveling the ribbon

Documentary

Gwen Briesemeister/Director/Producer

Documentary overview

Unraveling the Ribbon short documentary explores the deep cultural, spiritual, and political meaning of the Native American ribbon skirt. Worn with pride, each skirt tells a personal and collective story of resilience, identity, and ancestral connection. Once forced underground, the ribbon skirt reemerged after the 1978 Religious Freedom Act, becoming a powerful symbol of Indigenous survival and sovereignty. Women across generations share how the skirts are part of ceremony, personal healing, political resistance, and creative expression.

UNRAVELING THE RIBBON

link to full movie available May 2026

Unraveling the Ribbon

trailer

Through sewing circles and storytelling, the ribbon skirt has become a living garment that binds indigenous communities, honors teachings, and proudly asserts, “We are still here.” It was important to me that this film be told through the voice and lens of indigenous women. This film features 8 indigenous women who tell the story of the ribbon skirt from their personal perspectives. This film was produced with an all female cast and drew.

Director's Bio

I am an independent filmmaker, former gifted/talented coordinator, and video production instructor. I worked years mentoring students in a variety of film projects from documentary to narrative to weekly news shows. I created my own production company 13 years ago and have been working on short independent documentary projects ever since. My films focus on seemingly ordinary individuals with extraordinary stories. My work has been screened at several film festivals throughout the midwest. Delano Heroes received honorable mention at the Moving Pictures Film Festival sponsored by the Minnesota History Center and Grin and Bear It received and Honorable Mention at the Shamrock Film Festival in Rosemount. I am a member of Film North, MNWIFT. I served on the board of the Minnesota Women in Film and Television and am a past President of the Minnesota Educators of the Gifted and Talented.

Contact: unravelingtheribbon@gmail.com

Resources

How to make a Ribbon skirt tutorials :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VeLVBdJs0hw

https://www.galtmuseum.com/articles/ribbon-skirt-tutorial

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2q_rynVWxOw

https://www.strongwagner.com/2021/12/04/ribbon-skirt-tutorial/

https://www.powwows.com/all-about-ribbon-skirts-how-to-make-ribbon-skirts/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EoMhizSxSGg

https://riverstosuccess.ca/a-guide-to-crafting-ribbon-skirts/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-f-52ksSJM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H6JSUP5SJvU&list=PL_bnCyKOH-6d2otW533bmKQvNjHAdfbqB&index=1