Canada's Assembly of First Nations has taken a stand for the inherent right to self-determination for First Nations youth, Two Spirit, and gender-diverse individuals.
Speaking from unceded Algonquin Territory in Ottawa on Friday, Headperson Tyler George, Co-Chair of the Assembly of First Nations' 2SLGBTQQIA+ Council, said "First Nations traditions respect and honour all people, including Two Spirit and LGBTQQIA+ and gender-diverse youth, who are vital members of our communities".
"We oppose any legislation, policies, or efforts to undermine First Nations rights and impact the freedom and safety of our children and communities," said George, who is nehiyaw (cree) from Ochapowace Nation.
Fellow Co-Chair Duane Aucoin, a Wolf/Yanyedi member of the Teslin Tlingit Council, said Two Spirit and LGBTQQIA+ youth should be free to express their individuality without fear of discrimination.
"These proposed policies restrict their ability to express their preferred names and pronouns, essential for their mental health and well-being, and expose them to harm. These measures contradict our traditional ways of knowing and being and represent a setback in the path toward reconciliation. They do not to uphold our values of kinship, love, and respect for all life," he said.
The Assembly of First Nations noted that recent legislative efforts in Saskatchewan, New Brunswick, and Alberta, coupled with public demonstrations advocating for restrictive educational policies, pose "a significant threat" to the rights of trans- and gender-diverse youth.
The Assembly said the policies in question, which require parental consent for their gender identity to be recognised, "contradict the rights and freedoms upheld in Canada and could place vulnerable youth at risk".
Assembly of First Nations National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak said First Nations "have always respected and upheld Two Spirit and gender-diverse individuals in our communities for their unique perspectives".
"I call on all levels of government to protect the rights of gender-diverse individuals. It is essential that our youth have safe, supportive environments where they can thrive," she said.
"Schools and other community spaces must be safe places where youth can express their identities and find support. Hate speech, discrimination, and anti-Indigenous racism is unacceptable.
"I urge the reversal of these harmful policies and call on governments and all Canadians to support First Nations, Two Spirit, and gender-diverse individuals."
