Latest news with #Two-Spirit
Yahoo
5 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Toronto officials raise Progress Pride flag at city hall to kick off month of festivities
Toronto officials raised the Progress Pride flag at city hall on Monday to kick off a month of festivities celebrating the city's 2SLGBTQ+ community. Mayor Olivia Chow said it's more important than ever to support Toronto's 2SLGBTQ+ community. Chow was joined by Coun. Chris Moise, chair of the Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer Advisory Committee, and city staff. "It's not a choice. It is who we are. It's in the city's DNA that we will always support the LGBTQ community," Chow said in an interview after the flag-raising. "We know that when we come together, we're stronger. We will not be divided and we'll stand shoulder to shoulder with the community and supporting it every way. I invite all Torontonians to enjoy Pride Month." Those involved, including drag performer Sanjina DaBish Queen, said Pride started as a protest and it's important to support the transgender community. "The light just needs to be on trans people right now. It does. We're very important to the community. We're important to this world. And we just want to live. We just want to breathe." Pride Toronto recently reported two of its largest sponsors, Home Depot and Google, have said they no longer want to sponsor the festival, but executive director Kojo Modeste said the withdrawal of support won't affect this year's festivities. "We already have contracts that we are obligated to. Where we might feel it, it's next year. But I do believe that all three levels of government will come on board. We're going to have more sponsors." City representatives said they'll continue to support Pride in Toronto in whatever ways they can. "At the end of the day, it's their loss," Chow said. "And if American companies want to pull out from supporting Pride, we will step in, Canadian companies will step in, the government will step in." Throughout the month of June, Pride events will be held across Toronto. Pride culminates with the festival weekend that runs June 27 to 29. That includes Toronto's Pride Parade, which is the second largest in the world.
Cision Canada
05-05-2025
- Health
- Cision Canada
Statement - Ministers Anandasangaree, Hajdu and Guilbeault issue statement on Red Dress Day 2025 Français
Taking care The Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Crisis Line is a national, toll-free, 24/7 crisis call line that provides support for anyone who requires emotional assistance related to the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, Two-Spirit and gender-diverse people. For assistance, call 1-844-413-6649. Trauma-informed support is also available to all those impacted by the ongoing crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, Two-Spirit and gender-diverse people through the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Health and Cultural Support Program. The program funds access to cultural support (e.g., Elders, Knowledge Holders, and Traditional Healers), emotional support (e.g., community-based health workers, peer supports), and registered mental health counsellors (e.g., psychologists and social workers). OTTAWA, TRADITIONAL UNCEDED ALGONQUIN TERRITORY, ON, May 5, 2025 /CNW/ - Today, the Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs, the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services, and the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Culture and Identity and Minister responsible for WAGE, issued the following statement: "On Red Dress Day, we honour every First Nations, Inuit, and Métis woman, girl, and 2SLGBTQI+ person who has gone missing or been murdered in Canada. We recognize the strength and courage of families, survivors, and communities who continue to advocate for the dignity and justice of their loved ones. Also known as the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQI+ People, Red Dress Day was first commemorated in 2010 and was inspired by Métis artist Jaime Black-Morsette's REDress Project—an art installation featuring red dresses hung in public spaces as a visual reminder of the number of Indigenous women, girls, Two-Spirit and 2SLGBTQI+ people who are missing or have been murdered in Canada. Violence continues to disproportionately impact Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQI+ people. This day raises awareness of this national crisis and offers us the opportunity to reflect on the efforts made—and the work still left to be done to address the deep-rooted, systemic issues and help build a safer and more equitable society. The Government of Canada's efforts to tackle root causes are guided by the National Action Plan, the Federal Pathway to Address Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People, which is reported on annually, and the National Inquiry's Calls for Justice. Examples of these efforts over the past year include initiatives like the third annual National Indigenous-Federal-Provincial-Territorial Meeting on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTIQ+ People, the first-ever Red Dress Alert pilot in Manitoba and projects such as the Inuvialuit Family Wellness Centre and the Indigenous Victim and Family Liaison Program. By partnering with Indigenous survivors, families, leaders, and organizations, as well as with provinces and territories, we are addressing the long-standing and emerging issues related to this national crisis. Today we honour the lives lost, recognize the strength of families and communities, and recommit to building a future where all Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQI+ people can live in safety and security, free from fear." Join the conversation about Indigenous Peoples in Canada: SOURCE Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada
CBC
09-04-2025
- Entertainment
- CBC
REDress edited by Jaime Black-Morsette
A powerful anthology reflecting on the REDress exhibit and its impact A powerful anthology uniting the voices of Indigenous women, Elders, grassroots community activists, artists, academics, and family members affected by the tragedy of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit people from across Turtle Island. In 2010, Métis artist Jaime Black-Morsette created the REDress Project—an art installation consisting of placing red dresses in public spaces as a call for justice for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit people (MMIWG2S). Symbolizing both absence and presence, the red dresses ignite a reclamation of voice and place for MMIWG2S. Fifteen years later, the symbol of the empty red dress endures as families continue to call for action. In this anthology, Jaime Black-Morsette shares her own intimate stories and memories of the REDress Project along with the voices of Indigenous women, Elders, grassroots community activists, artists, academics, and family members affected by this tragedy. Together they use the power of their collective voice to not only call for justice for MMIWG2S, but honour Indigenous women as keepers and protectors of land, culture, and community across Turtle Island. Jaime Black-Morsette is a Red River Métis artist and activist. Founder of The REDress project in 2010, Jaime has used their art to foster community and drive change against the epidemic of violence against Indigenous women and girls across Turtle Island for over a decade. Their interdisciplinary art practice spans immersive film, video, installation, photography, and performance, exploring themes of memory, identity, place, and resistance.
