The Ribbon Mask Project

About

The Beginning

We believe that everyone no matter their circumstances deserves to feel protected during this global crisis of COVID-19. Due to a shortage in PPE, hospitals and clinics around the country have put out a call to the community to create masks for their patients and health care workers. Since responding to this call, we have had numerous individuals and organizations reach out asking if they could also receive masks. The Ribbon Mask Project is a response to this need. It is also a way to keep this effort sustainable. For every Ribbon Mask sold we donated 2 CDC compliant cotton masks approved by Allina to individuals and partnering organizations during the year of 2020.

We are aware that handmade masks are not as effective as an N95 or other medical grade equipment, but a cloth mask is better than nothing.

The Idea

The concept behind the use of the Ribbon Mask is to speak to the strength and resiliency of Native People. This is not the first time we have had to survive such an event. I wanted to use ribbon because of this symbolism and how easily identifiable it is from one Native person to another. In a time of such isolation I thought it important to be able to connect with another say if you were both wearing your Ribbon Masks and saw one another from across the street.

The Now

Now I am currently working on creating more ribbon masks but with a different intention. Since the demand for masks is near to nothing the last of the material will be used to do one more round to help fundraise for a Stoll Industrial Knitting Machine. As my business is growing this technology is key to my growth as a business and my goal of advancing Native art and fashion through technology.

I will also be starting a fundraising campaign that will launch late spring/early summer but am slowly starting that saving process now.

I am fully committed to my work, art and community and hope to always use my business as a platform for other artists and community needs. Flexibility has become a foundational value of Makwa Studio through our shared experiences of the uprising and living through a pandemic.

This project has meant so much to me this last year and I hope that it also has to you. Miigwech for all the support.

More masks will be available on April 18th at 11:00am

The Team

Donation Updates

• Cheyenne Regional Medical Center - 20 masks

• Native American Community Clinic - 20 masks

• Redeemer Health and Rehab - 30 masks

• California Department of Social Services in Tribal Affairs - 12 masks

• Bi-Bett Corporation - 50 masks

• Prevention Point Philadelphia - 40 masks

• Tohaali Community School - 60 masks

• The Mother Baby Center at United Hospital - 150 masks

• Groveland Food Shelf - 150 masks

• Hammer Residences - 60

• Hennepin Healthcare St. Anthony Village Clinic - 50 masks

• Southern Indian Health Council - 120

• Elders Lodge - 80

• Flushing Hospital Medical Center - 100

• Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Center - 13

• Dream of Wild Health / Four Sisters Market - 100

• Southern Indian Health Council - 240

• East Side Elders - 120

• Republica Empanada - Delivering food and masks to the villages of the Hopi, San Juan Southern Paiute, and Navajo Tribes) - 150

• Culture Language Arts Network / Minneapolis American Indian Center - 120

• Kid Cope Specialist - 20

• Jersey City Medical Center - 125

If you are an organization that would like to be added to the list, please email me at: makwastudio@gmail.com