Kita atahmskatinawaw okimahkanak, ekwa kahkiyaw onikanewak,

I am writing this message today to invite you to attend our Two Spirit Powwow on Saturday, June 15th at the Beardy’s & Okemasis’ Cree Nation.

Four years ago, the Beardy’s & Okemasis’ Cree Nation became the first First Nation to host a Two Spirit Pride Parade in Canada. We did it not to be the first, but rather (and most importantly) to demonstrate our acceptance, respect, understanding, and love to those individuals in our community and across our territories who identify as Two Spirit.

As one of the only openly Gay/Two Spirit leaders in Saskatchewan, I have always felt that one of my primary responsibilities was to highlight the injustices experienced by our people – whether it be in health or education, housing and child welfare, or the discrimination and marginalization experienced especially by members of the Two Spirit community. Our support as leaders is critical to Two Spirit members taking their rightful place in our circles and we must acknowledge – in demonstrable ways – the incredible value and strength that Two Spirits add to our communities.

With that in mind, I invite you to join Chief Petit and I, and my colleagues on Council to demonstrate those values of acceptance, respect, understanding, and love at our first Two Spirit powwow on Saturday, June 15th at the Beardy’s & Okemasis’ Cree Nation in partnership with OUTSaskatoon. Grand Entry is at 1pm. I encourage you to bring your respective Nation’s flag and/or Eagle Staff if you plan on attending. I look forward to welcoming you to our circle and I have no doubt that your participation would send a strong message of inclusiveness and unity to those who have often times felt they were not part of our ever-growing, ever-strengthening circle. Join us and celebrate pride!

Kininaskomitinawaw,

Councillor Kevin Seesequasis
Beardy’s & Okemasis’ Cree Nation

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