AMC Celebrates International Non-Binary People’s Day

July 14, 2022

Treaty One Territory, Manitoba

AMC Communications

Treaty One Territory, Manitoba – The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) issues this statement today to celebrate International Non-Binary People’s Day. July 14 is recognized internationally as Non-Binary People’s Day – a day to celebrate those who identify out of the man/woman gender binary. This date was chosen in 2012 for being precisely between International Women’s Day and International Men’s Day.

While the concept of non-binary may seem new to some, First Nations have recognized and respected this concept for thousands of years. Today we use the term “Two-Spirit.” This term, Two-Spirit, reflects our complex understanding of gender roles, spirituality, and sexual/gender identity within First Nations cultures.

Acting Grand Chief Cornell McLean states, “May we observe this day by raising awareness about the many issues faced by non-binary and Two-Spirit people; including lack of recognition, lack of support, and discrimination.”

AMC proudly celebrates those who are non-binary and Two-Spirit. Further, we hope that our Nations will challenge and dismantle the harmful colonial constructs of discrimination within our community and beyond. Members of our Nations who identify as non-binary or Two-Spirit are worthy of the utmost love, respect, and safety.

There are many ways to become a great ally to those who identify as non-binary or Two-Spirit. These include but are not limited to:

  • Being open to learning about non-binary identity and unlearning harmful rhetoric.
  • Confronting your prejudices and unconscious bias.
  • Introducing yourself with your name and pronouns.
  • Use inclusive terms such as folks or everyone when addressing a group.
  • Using the pronoun ‘they’ when referring to someone whose gender is not yet known.

“While colonial culture may enforce the notion that gender exists as a strict binary, we First Nations know that there is much more to it. Non-binary and Two-Spirit people teach us that knowing one’s identity is where power can grow. An identity that no person or force can strip away,” concludes Acting Grand Chief Cornell McLean.

 

AMC Statement – AMC Celebrates International Non-Binary People’s Day