Indigenous people showing support for Ukraine by wearing ‘kokum scarves’

Indigenous people across Canada have been showing their support of Ukraine by posting photos and videos of themselves on social media wearing what is known as ``kokum scarves.''

Tania Cameron was watching the fallout from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine from her home in Kenora, Ont., when she felt the need to express her solidarity with Ukrainians on both sides of the world.

“There are Ukrainian people in our towns and cities that are having a very hard time. They aren’t my people, but we are connected, so I’ll stand with you,” Cameron said in a phone interview.

“If it’s something as simple as wearing a kokum scarf in solidarity, then that’s what I’ll do. If there’s any way I can support funds to help the humanitarian aid, then that’s what I’ll do.”

Indigenous people across Canada have been showing their support of Ukraine by posting photos and videos of themselves on social media wearing what is known in many communities as “kokum scarves.”

Cameron, who is Anishinaabe, saw the social media campaign and decided to join. She sourced the scarves from Indigenous and Ukrainian shops and distributed them Canada-wide at cost. She also held a raffle with proceeds going to the Red Cross.

One Ukrainian senior in Kenora found out what Cameron was doing and asked if it was possible for Cameron to hand-deliver some scarves.

The two spent some time sharing their histories over coffee.

“It was an emotional moment when I was welcomed into her home,” said Cameron.