A video of two women in the United States hitting the slopes in their traditional regalia has gone viral on social media.
Maria Hawkins, a Chippewa/Cree woman from Bozeman, Mont., got the idea of snowboarding in her ribbon skirt from Divya Maiya, who went viral skiing in her traditional saree.
“I wanted to represent for all of the Indigenous Peoples in Montana especially the children,” says Hawkins. “When I was growing up, learning how to snowboard, you don’t see people that look like you, you don’t see people of colour out there.”
Maiya lives in Minneapolis, Minn., but is originally from India. After connecting on social media, the women met up at the Bridger Bowl ski resort in Montana to sport their regalia together.
Bringing awareness to the lack of Black, Indigenous and people of colour (BIPOC) on the slopes, Hawkins says it’s all about the cost.
“The lift passes, the rental packages for skis — that can range anywhere from $100 as well. So it’s really just an accessibility issue.”
Adds Maiya, “I know we’re just out there on the slopes wearing our traditional outfit and trying to say that we’re representing BIPOC, but what does that actually mean?”
The women say there needs to be programs for people and children of colour across North America that help them learn the sport.
“We need to see more really badass women on the slopes and showing that it’s not just a sport for white people,” says Maiya.
