Edmonton hosts first gathering for Métis Two-spirit LGBTQIA+
Members of First Nations communities and allies gathered at the Edmonton Expo Centre for the first Métis Two-spirit LGBTQIA+ gathering in the province on Thursday and Friday.
The two-day event welcomed members of the Métis 2SLGBTQIA+ communities to meet peers and share their experiences to create a greater sense of belonging.
The event, which was created in collaboration with the Otipemisiwak Métis government youth department, Edmonton 2 Spirit Society and the Rupertsland Institute, offered a variety of workshops including guest speakers and panelists, and opportunities for participants to discuss challenges and ways to create a more inclusive environment.
Bailey Stefan-houle, manager of marketing and communications with the Rupertsland Institute, said given the current climate with transphobia in school and ANTI-LGBTQ+ rhetoric, having a sense of community for youths is more important than ever.
“I think it was very important that we were able to have highschool students, if they were able to take the day off school to come to this event, to show that there is a safe haven for them. That there is a community that's willing to rally around them and they can have these opportunities for open dialogue and learning, and just being able to be around other Indigenous people and other queer, trans or two-spirit people, I think is going to be very monumental for those who are able to attend,” Stefan-houle said.
Stefan-houle said they welcomed not only First Nations people but also non-indigenous people to help foster a greater sense of community, which she said has been neglected in the past and which they are looking to help reclaim.
At the event, Rupertsland Institute's Métis Education Foundation announced the launch of the Métis Scholar Award for members of Métis 2SLGBTQIA+ communities. The initiative was created by the Otipemisiwak Métis government and the award will provide support for first and second year post-secondary students.
Lisa Savill, the director of the Rupertsland Institute, said the final dollar amount for the award has not been determined, with proceeds from Friday evening's “pay what you can” contributing to the award.
She said they 're hopeful they will be able to provide more than one award to students.
“From an organizational standpoint, this conference was really important to us because we want to hear from our two-spirit citizens on how we can better shape the programs and services that Rupertsland Institute provides to the two-spirit community,” Savill said.