The Indigenous Two-Spirit LGBTQI+ flag was raised at CFB Shilo to recognize 2SLGBTQI Indigenous Awareness Day on March 20. (Photo: K-J Millar/Shilo Stag News)
K-J Millar
Shilo Stag Media
The Two-Spirit and Indigenous 2SLGBTQI+ flag was raised at CFB Shilo on March 20. This is to create awareness, celebrate, honour and uplift diverse identities of Two-Spirited people and coincides with the spring equinox.
“This year, we would like to specifically acknowledge and elevate the awareness of Two Spirit and Indigi-queer personnel,” said Major Melissa Marshall, CFB Shilo chief of staff, on behalf of Base Commander Lieutenant-Colonel Jack Nguyen.
Two-Spirit is a translation of the Anishinaabemowin (also called Ojibwemowin, the Ojibwe/Ojibwa language, or Chippewa) term niizh manidoowag, referring to a person who balances both female and male energies. The term is rooted in Indigenous traditions, recognizing a sacred identity honoured by many Indigenous nations.
She explained that it is significant to recognize the Indigenous communities in Canada and acknowledged Two Spirit and Indigi Queer personnel and their sacred role in the community.
“As a small act of acknowledgement of this history and to prioritize Indigenous voices, the Federal Government has shifted to lead with 2S and use the preferred acronym of 2SLGBTQI+.”
“Indigi-queer is a new term used by Indigenous LGBTQI+ personnel who may not identify as Two Spirit. It describes the unique experience of being both indigenous and queer,” Maj. Marshall said while addressing the crowd.
The day serves as an omnipotent expression of the resilience and strength of Two-Spirit peoples. Often, they have long held significant roles in their communities as healers, leaders and knowledge keepers. The day also recognizes time after time when they have faced discrimination, erasure, barriers to health and social care as unique and ongoing challenges.
“As defence team champions, the Command want to express their deep gratitude to each [member] who continues to show up as your authentic self and push the defence team to do better. We commit that we will do better to facilitate inclusion and education around Two Spirit and particular identities. For defence team members, your presence, your voices and testimony remind us all of the work that is yet to be done. We remain committed to learning, unlearning, and taking meaningful action to create safer … spaces within the defence team.”
