With the spring equinox falling later this week on the 20th, it is time to recognize Two-Spirit and Indigenous LGBTQIA+ Celebration and Awareness Day (hereinafter TS Celebration Day). Aligning with the spring equinox, this is a day to “uplift and bring greater awareness to Two-Spirit, trans and non-binary Indigenous people and communities.”[1] As Kelli Paddon, Parliamentary Secretary for Gender Equity, expressed: “This annual awareness day is aligned with the spring equinox when there is an equal balance between the long, cold winter, and the warmth of summer. This is significant because the spring equinox is considered to be a time of profound change and celebration of new beginnings and signals a time of rebirth, equity, and brightness.”[2]
Since 2021, communities across Canada have been recognizing this celebration on a grassroots level by putting on events featuring workshops, activities, speeches, and more. In addition to raising awareness, educating, and celebrating the (re)integration of Two-Spirit and gender-diverse Indigenous people, one of the goals of this movement has been to advocate for government officials and policymakers to recognize TS Celebration Day officially.[4] So far, the Province of British Columbia has created an official proclamation recognizing the spring equinox as “Two-Spirit Celebration and Awareness Day,” and Manitoba has enacted a similar Act recognizing March 31 of each year to be known as the Two-Spirit and Transgender Day of Visibility.[3] The goal is to have more provincial and eventually national recognition of the spring equinox as TS Celebration Day through substantial legislation rather than a mere proclamation.
Here in Alberta, we are experiencing a regression in human rights, especially for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Under the leadership of Premier Smith, the Alberta UCP has unleashed a trio of bills targeting the rights of trans people set to come into effect later this year.[5] These bills represent a blatant attempt to advance conservative values at the expense of putting an already vulnerable group of people at risk. The anti-2SLGBTQIA+ policies and rhetoric of the UCP and the right have emboldened an era of regression in Alberta, as we are now seeing the dismantling of EDI at the University of Alberta, the banning of rainbow crosswalks in some rural towns, and most recently, the Edmonton Public Library directing employees to remove pride flags as part of its plan to “make our physical and digital spaces inviting and welcoming, fostering a sense of belonging for all.”[6]
It is extremely disheartening to see political rhetoric and fear-mongering allow the rollback of human rights. Now more than ever, it is critically important to stand on the right side of history and stand up for 2SLGBTQIA+ rights. One way we can do this is by participating in, celebrating, and standing in solidarity with grassroots movements, such as TS Celebration Day, that recognize Two-Spirit and gender-diverse individuals as vital members of our society and continue to fight for their rights.
The team at ReconciliACTION YEG recognizes and celebrates Two-Spirit and Indigenous LGBTQIA+ Celebration and Awareness Day on the spring equinox. We encourage readers to get involved at this critical time. Finally, if you or someone close to you needs support during this trying time, resources are available through The Landing for students of the University of Alberta and through the Pride Center of Edmonton.[7]
ekosi.
The ReconciliACTION Team
Citations
[1] ”2023 Two-Spirit and Indigenous LGBTQIA+ Celebration and Awareness Day,” Two-Spirit Dry Lab (accessed 15 March, 2025), online: <twospiritdrylab.ca> [perma.cc/Z5DL-EZBQ].
[2] “Parliamentary Secretary’s Statement on Two-Spirit, Indigenous 2SLGBTQIA+ Celebration and Awareness Day” BC Gov News (updated 26 March 2024), online: <news.gov.bc.ca> [perma.cc/XAA5-73XK].
[3] Two-Spirit Celebration and Awareness Day, proclaimed in force 23 February 2024, online (pdf): <bclaws.gov.bc.ca> [perma.cc/JJ7P-36A6];The Two-Spirit and Transgender Day of Visibility Act (Commemoration of Days, Weeks and Months Act Amended), SM 2024, c 27, s 1.
[4] “Two-Spirit and Indigenous LGBTQIA+ Celebration and Awareness Day,” Community-Based Research Center (accessed 15 March 2025), online: <https://www.cbrc.net/two_spirit_and_indigenous_lgbtqqia_celebration_and_awareness_day>.
[5] Lisa Johnson, “Three Bills Affecting Transgender Albertans Pass Debate, Set to Become Law,” The Canadian Press (3 December 2024), online: <globalnews.ca> [perma.cc/TR5V-YZGG].
[6] Jonny Wakefield, “Campus groups Respond After University of Alberta Ditches Diversity Equity and Inclusion Policies,” Edmonton Journal (6 January 2025), online: <edmontonjournal.com> [perma.cc/4XQT-CLEA]; Liam Harrap, “Why Some Canadian Towns are Seeing Pushes to Keep Crosswalks White, Let Certain Flags Fly,” CBC News (26 January 2025), online: <cbc.ca> [perma.cc/7QQF-VUBC]; Karyn Mulcahy, “Union Says Pride Flags Banned from Edmonton Public Library, Library Disputes Claim,” CTV News (13 March 2025), online: <ctvnews.ca> [perma.cc/5CY6-LEDG].
[7] “The Landing” University of Alberta Students’ Union (accessed 15 March 2025), online: <su.ualberta.ca> [perma.ca/3C2K-44YK]; “Community Services” Pride Center of Edmonton (accessed 15 March 2025), online: <pridecenterofedmonton.ca> [perma.cc/WPN8-WJGD].
[Image] Province of British Columbia, “Pride and Two-Spirit Flags Raised at the BC Legislature” Flickr (accessed 15 March 2025), online: <flickr.com> [perma.cc/A3BW-6EG5].
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