September 28, 2023
Last week, a series of protests transpired across Canada which contested the implementation of policies promoting inclusivity in schools for those who identify as Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer, Questioning, Intersex, and Asexual (2SLGBTQIA+). This is another clear example of the rise in intolerance toward 2SLGBTQIA+ people and the rise in the number of hate crimes in Canada and internationally.
For centuries, Indigenous people have understood what it meant to be marginalized and to have their history and culture left out of classroom education. The Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaw Chiefs (Assembly) believes that the 2SLGBTQIA+ community should not have to endure similar treatment.
“Two-spirits and members of the LGBTQIA+ community deserve to know that they have the support, care, solidarity, action and safety from all,” said Chief Leroy Denny, Co-Lead of the Assembly’s Health, Wellbeing and Elders, and Education portfolios. “We must all do our part to see that every community member feels included and that bigotry and hate do not prevail. Protesting teaching 2SLGBTQIA+ content in schools only makes us take steps backwards, not forwards.”
To further the Assembly’s position on the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, today they passed a resolution proclaiming their support for the 2SLGBTQQIA+ community and condemning all anti-2SLGBTQQIA+ actions. Together, they committed to using their collective voice to ensure safety and inclusion for all vulnerable people in our territory as Mi’kmaw children and youth, and particularly 2SLGBTQQIA+ children and youth, have the right to freedom of expression of their identities and safety from discrimination under the Mi’kmaw Education Act, UNDRIP, United Nations Declaration on the Rights of the Child, Nova Scotia Human Rights Act, and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
“2SLGBTQIA+ people and parents of 2SLGBTQIA+ children should not have to fear for their safety when attending school or living their lives. We should all be working towards creating safe and more inclusive communities and environments,” added Chief Denny.
The Assembly has made a firm commitment to collaborate with the Wabanaki Two-Spirit Alliance (Alliance) in their efforts to combat the hate and discrimination against the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and to develop effective strategies to foster a culture of acceptance and respect for all.