By paNOW

Beardy`s and Okemasis Cree Nation celebrates Pride

Jun 15, 2017 | 6:16 PM

Weather couldn`t dampen spirits on the Beardy`s and Okemasis Cree Nation (BOCN).

A cloudy June 15 marked the second annual Two Spirit Pride Parade on the Cree Nation. Rainbow coloured flags of all sizes decked out the two floats participating in the parade; by the end, at least 10 cars joined to follow along. 

“Thank you everyone, for coming out,” Coun. Kevin Seesequasis said prior to the parade procession’s departure.

Seeseequasis was responsible for organizing the first ever pride parade in 2016, and he took on the same responsibilities for this year`s festivities. He said he’s seen an overwhelming amount of support for LGBTQ and two spirited individuals over the last year.

“[The festival] has been that catalyst we hoped it would be,” Seesequasis said. “Our chief just said ‘gay is OK,’ and what strong words from our leader.”

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He said BOFN Chief Roy Petit’s message reminded people of the value of kinship, and how it is stronger than ideas or beliefs which may divide community members.

After his speech, Petit said he was proud of his community, especially the youth, who stood along Highway 212 to show their support.

The day concluded with a talking circle and coming out ceremony, which was an important aspect for Seesequasis, who is one of the first Indigenous councillors in Canada to identify as gay.

“It’s important to hear those stories of hardship and triumph and feel that sense of empowerment, but also that sense of community,” Seeseequasis said. “When I was growing up, I didn’t have that type of support group or that type of support network.”

Seesequassis wasn`t alone in organizing the day’s festivities; he had help from Giselle Gotti-Chanel, lifetime holder of the Miss Gay Ottawa award and member of BOFN.

Gotti-Chanel said the parade and festival are important events for the community.

“It was very hard growing up here, I moved away to come out,” Gotti-Chanel said. “Having these festivals here in our community, we can show the younger generation that it is alright and safe to come out.”

Representatives from OUT Saskatoon made the trip North to attend the parade. Rachel Lowen Walker, the executive director, said the entire office was closed down for the day to allow staff a day to celebrate.

“[For] big cities it’s pretty common to have big pride parades now,” Lowen Walker said. “It’s so exciting to see that support from rural communities, because we know that there’s still lots of folks in rural communities that don’t have the supports they can get in cities.”

Bryan.Eneas@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @BryanEneas