Beardy’s and Okemasis First Nation hosts inaugural Two Spirit Parade
Two spirited people have existed throughout history in many First Nation communities across North America.
While they have always existed, it has not always been easy for people who identify as two spirited individuals to come forward to their families about who they are. Members of the Beardy’s and Okemasis First Nation hope to set a precedent for all other First Nation communities across Canada.
The Beardy’s and Okemasis First Nation banded together on June 9 to host the first ever Two Spirit and Pride parade on a reserve. On a beautiful prairie day, countless members of the community as well as Chief and Council walked from Dodgies Convenience Store to the band office at Beardy’s and Okemasis First Nation.
Kevin Seesequasis, the councillor in charge of community development, and one of the first openly gay First Nation leaders in Canada approached chief and council on May 30 about putting together the two spirit celebrations and was welcomed with open arms. A fully unanimous decision was made by chief and council to support Seesequasis’ proposal, and in a matter of days the parade was put together.