(September 27, 2024 – Unceded Algonquin Territory, Ottawa, Ontario) — Today, the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) reiterated its support for the Inherent right to self-determination for First Nations youth, Two Spirit, and gender-diverse individuals.
“First Nations traditions respect and honour all people, including Two Spirit and LGBTQQIA+ and gender-diverse youth, who are vital members of our communities,” said Headperson Tyler George, Co-Chairperson of the AFN 2SLGBTQQIA+ Council. “We oppose any legislation, policies, or efforts to undermine First Nations rights and impact the freedom and safety of our children and communities.”
“Two Spirit and LGBTQQIA+ youth should be free to express their individuality without fear of discrimination,” said Duane Aucoin, Co-Chairperson of the AFN 2SLGBTQQIA+ Council. “These proposed policies restrict their ability to express their preferred names and pronouns, essential for their mental health and well-being, and expose them to harm. These measures contradict our traditional ways of knowing and being and represent a setback in the path toward reconciliation. They do not to uphold our values of kinship, love, and respect for all life.”
Recent legislative efforts in Saskatchewan, New Brunswick, and Alberta, coupled with public demonstrations advocating for restrictive educational policies, pose a significant threat to the rights of trans- and gender-diverse youth. These policies, which require parental consent for their gender identity to be recognized, contradict the rights and freedoms upheld in Canada and could place vulnerable youth at risk.
“We have always respected and upheld Two Spirit and gender-diverse individuals in our communities for their unique perspectives,” said AFN National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak. “I call on all levels of government to protect the rights of gender-diverse individuals. It is essential that our youth have safe, supportive environments where they can thrive. Schools and other community spaces must be safe places where youth can express their identities and find support. Hate speech, discrimination, and anti-Indigenous racism is unacceptable. I urge the reversal of these harmful policies and call on governments and all Canadians to support First Nations, Two Spirit, and gender-diverse individuals.”
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The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) is a national advocacy organization that works to advance the collective aspirations of First Nations individuals and communities across Canada on matters of national or international nature and concern.
For more information, please contact:
Jon Adam Chen
Communications Officer
Assembly of First Nations
(343) 573-2229 (mobile)
[email protected]
Jamie Monastyrski
Press Secretary
Office of the National Chief
(613) 612-7229 (mobile)
[email protected]