(Lheidli T’enneh Territory, Prince George, BC – March 21, 2022) – The BC Assembly of First Nations proudly supports the 1st Annual Two-Spirit Awareness to Celebration Day. This gathering marks an important moment of evolution in the advocacy of Two-Spirit, Indigenous trans, and non-binary people and communities. We lift our hands up to the Two-Spirit elders, mentors, community members, leaders, and allies who have carried this work with resiliency, bravery, wisdom, and love.
As we mark the Spring Equinox, we are heartened by the symbolism of life, light, and activity that accompanies this season, and the transition from winter. At the same time we acknowledge the historical and ongoing impact of colonial violence on the lives of Two-Spirit, Indigenous trans, and non-binary people and communities. Two-Spirit people held valued and respected roles in many of our societies. This diversity is part of our cultural heritage and wealth as First Nations peoples, which was disrupted through colonialism, but is now being reclaimed, strengthened, and celebrated. All Indigenous leadership and community members have a responsibility to uplift, honour, and welcome those in our communities of diverse sexualities, genders, gender roles, and gender expressions. Education and awareness are the foundations of transformative change, action, and mending of relationships.
BCAFN is committed to upholding the rights, dignity, and voice of First Nations Two-Spirit, trans, and non-binary people. At the BCAFN Special Chiefs Assembly on March 9-10, 2022 the BCAFN Chiefs-in-Assembly supported updating BCAFN’s governance documents to provide for the election of a regional 2SLGBTQQIA+ representative to serve on the recently established national AFN 2SLGBTQQIA+ Council. Chiefs also supported changes to appoint a 2SLGBTQQIA+ Knowledge Keeper to the AFN Knowledge Keepers Council. BCAFN looks forward to the important voice these representatives will bring, and will work to ensure these individuals are well-supported in their roles. These changes and other initiatives reflect a growing understanding that our systems and institutions must embody the diversity of our communities and create a welcoming space for all.
Regional Chief Terry Teegee stated, “I am encouraged by this gathering and the important message of honour and connection it brings. We all have a sacred place in our communities and societies, and we each have a responsibility to help create safe and inclusive spaces that enable the wellbeing, full participation, and representation of people of diverse sexualities, genders, gender roles, and gender expressions. I urge everyone to take note of this powerful movement and consider how you can be an ally and support concrete change.”
BCAFN wishes those gathered for the Two-Spirit Celebration to Awareness Day a powerful time of dialogue, celebration, and solidarity.
Regional Chief Terry Teegee will bring remarks to the 1st Annual Two-Spirit Awareness to Celebration Day at 11:45 am.