Helen

Ukrainian cultural twist to native American who makes history as first female US governor Taken from Ukraine on Instagram As Deb Haaland makes history as the first native American woman governor in U.S. history, representing the Pueblo people, one detail in her archive photos stands out: the vibrant floral scarf around her neck. In North America, it's known as a Kokum scarf. It's actually a traditional Ukrainian floral shawl, adopted by Indigenous peoples over a century ago. In the late 1800s, tens of thousands of Ukrainian families arrived in Canada fleeing poverty and oppression. Among their few belongings were traditional bright, wool-fringed floral shawls known as khustky. Settling in the harsh, unforgiving prairie winters, Ukrainian newcomers lived side by side with local First Nations. These families bonded over survival, trading crafts, food, and textiles. Cree women fell in love with the vivid floral patterns and the warmth of the Ukrainian wool shawls. In oral histories, women recall trading hand-beaded moccasins for these intricate scarves. Over generations, the scarf became an essential staple across Cree, Métis, Anishinaabe, and many other Indigenous nations. They called it the Kokum Scarf - from the Cree word kôhkom (grandmother). It transformed into a revered symbol of matriarchs, elders, and the resilient women holding families together. When russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, indigenous communities across Canada and the U.S. put on their Kokum scarves, sharing photos and messages of solidarity. A century later, a piece of cloth traded on the frontier became a global emblem of unwavering support against oppression. Photo/Charles F.Lummis, New Mexico History Museum #native #American #Cree #Pueblo #Kokum #scarf #traditional #Nations #oppression #khustky #Symbol #pride #Ukraine #Canada #Alberta #settlers #INDIGENOUS #ThirdNations #Métis