For over 22 years Ruth developed her skills researching and fabricating historical reproduction costumes, accessories and textiles for Parks Canada. A former instructor for the Fashion Design Program at Algonquin College, Ruth is now concentrating on running Ruth Mills, Milliner.

A graduate from the University of Alberta (BSc -HEc), Ruth studied Museum Technology at Algonquin College and hat making at L´Académie des Couturiers Canadiens, Ottawa and from Theresa Ingram at Parks Canada.  

 In 1998, she won the Constance Howard Award for Original Design, a national competition awarded annually by the Embroiderers' Association of Canada. 

(Ruth was featured in an Ottawa Citizen article by Becky Rynor)