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Dear Community, As we step into Indigenous History Month, we honour the rich histories, living cultures, and enduring contributions of Indigenous Peoples across Turtle Island. This month is a time to recognize truth, celebrate resilience, and deepen our commitment to reconciliation and solidarity—especially with Two-Spirit and Indigiqueer relatives whose stories are often erased or overlooked. The teachings and traditions of Two-Spirit people have long been a source of strength, balance, and wisdom in many Indigenous communities. Their presence challenges colonial gender binaries and reminds us that queerness and gender diversity have always existed—and continue to thrive—on this land. As author and scholar Dr. Gregory Cajete (Santa Clara Pueblo) reminds us: “Indigenous education is about creating a life that is whole, meaningful, and rooted in relationship.”
This month, let’s reflect on the relationships we nurture—with land, with culture, with each other—and the work we continue to do in community and in care. Throughout June, we’ll be sharing stories, events, and resources that centre Indigenous and Two-Spirit voices. Join us in learning, unlearning, celebrating, and standing in solidarity. In pride and kinship,
pflag Durham Region Board Land Acknowledgement
Queer liberation is not possible without liberation for all.
We encourage settlers to reflect on their historical role of enforcing heterosexism and binary gender identities in Indigenous nations that celebrated diverse genders and sexualities.
We also want to highlight the fact that various genders and sexualities were an integral part of many Indigenous nations before colonization.
Queer, trans, and Two-Spirit Indigenous people still exist today despite colonizers’ attempts to erase them.
It’s important to know that Europeans’ introduction of homophobia and transphobia to this land is the reason we continue to work to educate and advocate for the 2SLGBTQI community today.
The Region of Durham exists on lands that the Michi Saagiig Anishinaabeg inhabited for thousands of years prior to European colonization. These lands are the traditional and treaty territories of the Nations covered under the Williams Treaties, including the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation, Alderville First Nation, Hiawatha First Nation, Curve Lake First Nation, and the Chippewa Nations of Georgina Island, Beausoleil and Rama.
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