Beardy’s & Okemasis has put its full support behind a band councillor’s idea to hold a two-spirit pride festival.
Chief and council have unanimously passed a very progressive resolution related to the festival and accepting two-spirited people, whether they are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer, or questioning.
It proclaims that “Two-Spirits have and will continue to play a vital role in the prosperity, and health of the Beardy’s & Okemasis First Nation, and “Two-Spirit youth are and shall continue to play a vital role in the prsoperity and health of the Beardy’s & Okemasis First Nation.” B
Kevin Seeseequasis has been openly gay since he was 18 years old, and knows that being a band councillor puts him in a unique position.
To be honest I haven’t met any (band councillors) who are openly gay, elected in their communities,” he said.
Seeseequasis has a strong support system – not only personally, but through the whole community.
“I’ve never had any problems with any community members. I’m very grateful that I was accepted with open arms,” he said.
The Two-Spirit Pride Festival is groundbreaking. It is one of the first in Canada and as far as Seeseequasis knows, the first in Saskatchewan.
“We’re proud that we’re going to be able to demonstrate to youth and individuals who may be gender-variant or questioning their sexuality to know that it’s okay to be who they are and that they have support,” Seeseequasis said.
It’s important for young people to see people in their communities who haven’t let the challenges of being two-spirited keep them from achieving their goals, he said. He added this is particularly important considering the other societal odds already stacked up against Indigenous youth.
The parade, ceremonial flag raising and speeches, and barbecue gets underway at 11 a.m. on Thursday, June 9.