Queer Events acknowledges with gratitude and respect, the longstanding relationships of the three local First Nations groups of this land and place, Deshkan Ziibiing also known as London, Ontario.
The three current and long standing Indigenous groups of this geographic region are the Anishinaabek, the Haudenosaunee and the Lenape. The three First Nations communities closest in proximity to us are the Chippewa of the Thames First Nation (part of the Anishinaabe), Oneida Nation of the Thames (part of the Haudenosaunee), and the Munsee-Delaware Nation (part of the Lenape).
We also acknowledge the Attawandaran (Neutral) peoples who once settled this region alongside the Algonquin and Haudenosaunee peoples, and used this land as their traditional beaver hunting grounds.
We recognize and deeply appreciate their historic connection to this place. We also recognize the contributions of Métis, Inuit, and other Indigenous peoples have made, both in shaping and strengthening this community in particular, and our province and country as a whole.
Today, London and the surrounding area are subject to the Upper Canada treaties and specifically the Longwoods Treaty of 1822.
We recognize that our work takes place on these traditional territories. Land acknowledgements do not exist in a past tense, or historical context: colonialism is a current ongoing process, and we are mindful of our present participation.
We recognize the impacts of colonization on our Two Spirit and Queer Indigenous communities. Before colonization, Two-Spirit people were included and respected as valued community members, often holding revered roles such as healers, matchmakers, and counsellors, among many others. As part of the colonization process, there has been an attempted erasure of Two-Spirit people. The western religious values and belief systems that were imposed on Indigenous people condemned any sort of sexual or gender diversity, and Two-Spirit and Queer Indigenous people were killed or forced into assimilation and hiding. One of many lasting impacts of colonization on Two-Spirit and Queer people, is an increased level of homophobia and transphobia within many Indigenous communities.
Queer Events stands in solidarity with the Indigenous peoples who are the caretakers of this land. As an LGBT2Q+ organization Queer Events is committed to be constantly working together with Queer Indigenous and Two Spirit members of our community to
- Use our platform to increase the representation of Indigenous histories and people in our community.
- Create more spaces in which Queer Indigenous and Two Spirit members of our community can safely connect.
- Support requests from our local Queer Indigenous groups in any way we can.
- Ongoing consultation, involvement and representation of Queer Indigenous and Two Spirit members of our community in the work we do.
- Advocate and stand in solidarity with the First Nations, Inuit and Metis communities and support their rights to autonomy.
Queer Events supports the Calls to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission on Canada as well as the Calls to Action that are not listed but originate from the Indigenous peoples on this land. We ask that you educate yourself on the following:
