As we gather in June, let’s celebrate the beginning of Pride Month. On behalf of our 2SLGBTQQIA+ Council, I want to take this moment to honour the incredible resilience, strength, and diversity of Two-Spirit, Métis, and Indigenous people right across our Nation and the Homeland. Pride Month is a time to celebrate our identities, our histories, and our unyielding spirit to live authentically and proudly.
Our journey is rooted in a history of struggle and perseverance. It was a time when Stonewall ignited the flames of LGBTQ+ activism, a movement born from resistance to oppression. Indigenous communities, including Two-Spirit people, have their own stories of resilience—stories that have been passed down through generations, of honouring identities that were often suppressed but never erased. Our ancestors endured the horrors of the AIDS pandemic, standing firm in solidarity, compassion, and hope, demonstrating that love and dignity are worth fighting for.
We also remember the painful chapters where many members of our community were purged from the military and societal structures—an unjust chapter that tried to silence us. But through it all, we persevered, and our voices grew louder, our communities stronger.
Today, we are witnessing a shift, a culture of inclusion, kindness, and understanding, especially within Indigenous communities and especially within the Métis Nation of BC. We still face many challenges, but we know that we are not alone. We are building a world where everyone—regardless of gender, sexuality, or Indigenous identity—can live full, authentic lives without fear or apology. A world where our existence is not a question to be answered but a reality to be celebrated.
We stand here not just for ourselves, but for those who came before us—our ancestors, trailblazers, and allies—who fought relentlessly for recognition and equality. As we continue to march forward, our focus is simple: we want to live freely, openly, and fully as citizens, proud of who we are, without explanation or apology.
So, this Pride Month, let us honour that legacy. Let us celebrate our diversity, our history, and our collective strength. And let us recommit ourselves to a future where everyone is welcomed, valued, and loved for who they truly are. Chi-meegwetch. Happy Pride Month!
Louis De Jaeger
2SLGBTQQIA+ Chairperson, Métis Nation BC