The Beardy’s & Okemasis First Nation made Saskatchewan history Thursday by hosting its inaugural Two-Spirit Pride Festival.
It’s believed to be the first two-spirit festival in the province.
Kevin Seesequasis, the first openly gay councillor in the community, brought the idea to the band council. On May 31, a parade and festival were unanimously approved.
“It’s a good way to prompt a discussion and move forward demonstrating acceptance and inclusion in our community,” Seesequasis said.
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Two-spirit people are indigenous and gender variant, often identifying as members of the LGBT community in some form.
Seesequasis and members of the Beardy’s & Okemasis band council led a procession through the community to the band office.
Beardy’s & Okemasis First Nation is about 90 kilometres north of Saskatoon.
Two-spirit people were traditionally accepted members of First Nations communities, treated with dignity and respect, according to Beardy’s & Okemasis Chief Rick Gamble.
“They were never in any way, shape or form ostracized. They were never demeaned or anything like that. They were loved and they were part of the community,” Gamble said.
“We were a part of them. They were a part of us. We lived in harmony,” he added.
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Angela Gardipy was among the crowd of people waving rainbow flags, carrying signs and wearing bright clothing. She came out as a gay woman six months ago.
The Beardy’s parade was her first.
“I’m just so proud of my first nation that they’re doing this. I’m so happy that I’m here,” Gardipy said.
After the parade, members of council raised the pride flag on the band office’s flag pole.
Gamble shared council’s proclamation of the event with the crowd. Seesequasis read a letter from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, celebrating the “inclusive initiative.”
The community plans to bring the festival back in 2017.
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