For me, June is a month that is filled with reflection. As a teacher, June marks the end of the school year and the closing of a moment of time with people who I have come to love. It’s a time where I proudly look at my students and hold the promise with them of all they will become and share in the world. In that, I have great hope for the future and the reconciliation and healing that they will work to bring about in their lives.
June also marks the summer solstice, which for the Anishinaabe marks “ the closest approach in the celestial dance of our grandfather, Mishoom Giizis – the Sun.” It is a spiritual time both for individuals and the collective. This really resonates with me in a special way this year as I have witnessed my friend and Revolution Now artist, Keith Gattie, come to better understand his own culture and share his teachings with our community. It was beautiful to be at the unveiling of his art pieces at the Newmarket Stingers 50th Anniversary weekend. In a land where so much destruction has happened to families like Keith’s, seeing this art and the welcoming of his experience into our community, gives me hope that there is room for truth to be heard and that in that we can learn to live in a better way.
June also marks Pride month and the anniversary of the Stonewall Riots. For me, the history of oppression done to our community is inextricable from Pride as it is embedded in the fabric of the life I have lived as a gay woman. Canada has come a long way in the legal rights and social acceptance that are now afforded to the 2SLGBTQ+ community. That said, Pride is born out of the government enforcement of moral standards that excluded and alienated 2SLGBTQ+ people. That legacy continues to live today in policies that deny both the existence and human rights of 2SLGBTQ+ children. In today’s society, protecting and celebrating 2SLGBTQ+ youth is necessary and life-changing. It is our pleasure at Revolution Now to celebrate the artwork, experiences and contributions of 2SLGBTQ+ youth.
We are specifically excited as we begin planning for the 2024 Rainbow Awards as this year we will have $10,000 in scholarship money to be awarded to graduating 2SLGBTQ+ youth. We are very grateful to the York Regional Police for donating this scholarship money to us and for their ongoing commitment to listening and learning how to support 2SLGBTQ+ youth. In the coming days, we will be posting information on how to nominate people for these scholarships.
This summer solstice, I am left reflecting on our spiritual connections to each other and the importance of moving forward in good ways. It is a blessing to have the opportunity to learn and live in community with each other and to work together and move forward in ways that honour the sacred spirit and dignity that reside in each one of us. Thank you for your efforts to believe in people and celebrate their worth.
Keep Changing The World,
Megan
Quote Source: https://www.anishinaabe.ca/summer-solstice-a-spiritual-dance/
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