AMC Celebrates International Transgender Day of Visibility

March 31, 2022

Treaty One Territory, Manitoba

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Treaty One Territory, Manitoba – The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) honours International Transgender Day of Visibility, an international celebration of transgender people including those who identify as gender diverse and two-spirit. This day also serves to bring awareness to the increased levels of violence and discrimination perpetrated against transgender people and the need for immediate elimination of all forms of gender-based violence.   

Acting Grand Chief Eric Redhead states, “Transgender, two-spirit, and gender-diverse people have always held important roles in our nations and we encourage First Nations transgender and two-spirit citizens to celebrate who they are in spirit and place while reclaiming those sacred roles within communities. We encourage members of our First Nations to take time today, and every day, to celebrate transgender, two-spirit, and gender-diverse people for their contributions to their nations, communities, and families.” 

Since time immemorial, we have honoured and acknowledged those gifted with two-spirits, able to bring balance and special gifts to their families and communities. Historically, we recognized that two-spirits held both feminine and masculine spirits. Today, we understand that gender is fluid and honour those who identify as men and women or non-binary. Each year we see our transgender and two-spirit relatives returning to ceremonies and celebrations.  

While improvements have been made to make our world more inclusive, those from the transgender community continue to be subjected to harassment and inequality. AMC recognizes the astounding resilience of First Nation transgender, two-spirit and gender-diverse people. 

“On International Transgender Day of Visibility, we must remind ourselves of the responsibility of tolerance, understanding and love of our fellow citizens. We must further strive to remember that it is our differences that make us unique and special; something to be celebrated and honoured both today and every day,” concluded Acting Grand Chief Redhead.  

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