A new flag stands in Edmonton City Hall.
On Thursday, a new Two-Spirit flag was unveiled in celebration of Two-Spirit and Indigenous LGBTQQIA+ Awareness Day.
The event was a partnership between the City of Edmonton, the Edmonton 2 Spirit Society and Sacred Circle Villages.
In a press release, the city said the event was designed to highlight the significance of Two-Spirit identities in Indigenous cultures, as well as affirm Edmonton’s commitment to reconciliation and inclusion.
Joshua Morin, program manager for Edmonton 2 Spirit Society, said it’s a significant day for the community and deserves to be recognized.
“Indigenous peoples have existed since time immemorial, as have Two-Spirit and Indigiqueer individuals,” Morin said. “To honour and support this day is to acknowledge our existence as Two-Spirit individuals and the unique gifts we bring to our broader community.”
Métis NDP MP Blake Desjarlais, the first openly Two-Spirit person elected to the House of Commons, said he would have never imagined an event like Thursday’s when he was growing up.
He said it was a day of hope and strength for the community.
“Today is a practice of remembering who we are, being who we are and understanding that it’s beautiful to be queer, it’s beautiful to be yourself and it’s beautiful in a country like Canada that protects those rights.”
The flag-raising included Indigenous drag performances, messages from community leaders, Elders and Two-Spirit youth, and an official proclamation from Coun. Tim Cartmell.
“Unveiling this flag is a powerful statement of belonging, resilience and justice for Two-Spirit and Indigiqueer people,” Cartmell said. “Edmonton is committed to being a city where all people, regardless of gender identity or cultural background, feel safe, supported and celebrated.”
