This text is part of the special edition Pride Montreal
While it is clear that Fierté Montréal advocates for rights that support the LGBTQ+ community, non-Aboriginal people may be less aware that the organization also supports Indigenous struggles. This is demonstrated in particular by the recognition that the festival takes place on unceded territories, but also by allying with Indigenous organizations in order to celebrate pride with them. All this with the goal of better representing two-spirit people, indicating and LGBTQ+ indigenous people.
This year again, the Pride parade, which will conclude the festival on August 11, will be led by an Indigenous contingent. Among its members, you will be able to see the banners of Montréal Autochtone, which is organizing a brunch for the community just before, as well as the colours of Cercle Indigiqueer, which organized the opening show Lumière des Nations.
“Pride recognizes the occupation of the First Nations territory in Quebec and therefore gives us the honour of opening the parade. For me, it is a sign of respect and recognition of the fact that we share the territory,” says Vincent Jeannotte, executive director of Cercle Indigiqueer, an Indigenous organization geared towards two-spirit and LGBTQ+ people.
“It’s so important [que les communautés autochtones fassent partie de Fierté Montréal] “Because colonization has brought shame into Indigenous communities. By participating, we show that we are proud to be Indigenous,” adds Dylan Thompson, coordinator of Montreal Autochtone, which supports First Nations youth.
Getting to know yourself better
Vincent Jeannotte points out that colonization took away the language and culture of Indigenous people, causing them to lose traditions that communities are working hard to regain. In his opinion, the loss of connection with two-spiritedness—which refers to people who identify as having both a feminine and a masculine spirit—is part of this same phenomenon. Hence the importance of making this concept known to non-Indigenous people, yes, but also to Indigenous people.
“Historically, two-spirited people could have whatever role they wanted in a community. A person who is as capable of hunting as raising a child is a great asset. Today, it is extremely taboo in some communities. There is a lack of understanding of what two-spiritedness is,” laments Vincent Jeannotte.
Participating in Fierté Montréal Community Days and conferences helps break down these taboos. But it’s also a way to prove that you belong to the group, whether we’re talking about the Indigenous or LGBTQ+ communities.
“I have very white skin, even though my family and ancestors are indigenous. For me, [un événement comme le brunch de la fierté] “It allows me to identify as part of the community and show that to the rest of the world,” says Dylan Thompson.
Events to celebrate
On August 11, just before the annual Pride parade, Dylan Thompson and the Montreal Indigenous team are hosting a big brunch for the community. The food, prepared by Kahnawake caterer Messy Kitchen, is traditional to the Kanien’kehá:ka community. [Mohawk]Meat, cornbread and strawberry juice were on the menu last year.
The organization invites Indigenous friendship centres from across Quebec to its brunch, subsequently giving them the opportunity to participate in a parade in a major city.
Yes, pride parades are not just a city event, as they are multiplying in the region. Kahnawake also has its own pride parade, the second edition of which, which took place earlier this summer, was financially supported by the Fierté Montréal community program.
Nevertheless, Fierté Montréal is the largest initiative of its kind in Quebec. It is therefore quite an honour for the organization Cercle Indigiqueer to have been entrusted with the opening show for a second consecutive year.
This time called Light of Nations, it took place on 1er August at the Fifth Stage of Place des Arts. Tealey Ka’senni:saks gave an opening prayer, then two-spirit artists — Moe Clark, Anachnid, and throat singers Nina Segalowitz and Sierra Segalowitz — took the stage.
“The show wants to recognize and celebrate the First Nations in their diversity, that is to say, we also want to recognize two-spirit and LGBTQ+ people,” emphasizes Vincent Jeannotte. “We see that Fierté wants our presence to be clearly visible, that their approach is sincere,” concludes the organization’s executive director.
This content was produced by the Special Publications Team of Dutyrelevant to marketing. The writing of the Duty did not take part in it.