As part of the colonization process, there has been an attempted erasure of Two-Spirit people. 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. We recognize the impacts of colonization on our Two Spirit and Queer Indigenous communities. 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 that our work takes place on these traditional territories. Today, London and the surrounding area are subject to the Upper Canada treaties and specifically the Longwoods Treaty of 1822. 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. We recognize and deeply appreciate their historic connection to this place. 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. 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). The three current and long standing Indigenous groups of this geographic region are the Anishinaabek, the Haudenosaunee and the Lenape. The vigil commemorated not only Rita, but all who were tragically lost to anti-transgender violence.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. In 1999, one year after Rita’s murder, advocate and writer Gwendolyn Ann Smith coordinated a vigil in Rita’s honor. Rita was a highly visible member of the transgender community in her native Boston, Massachusetts, where she worked locally on education around transgender issues. Transgender Day of Remembrance is observed each year in late November in recognition of the 1998 murder of Rita Hester. As in previous years, most of the lives taken were those of Black and Latina transgender women. There have likely been more losses than the 43 reported, as crimes against trans people often go unreported or misreported. In 2021 there have been at least 43 transgender or gender non-conforming people die by violent means. All community members are invited to attend and mark the occasion by hearing the stories of local transgender and non-binary people, memorializing those lost, and celebrating the diversity and resilience of the community in the face of harassment and violence. The event, which will be conducted at the Muskingum Park Gazebo, will honor those lost to anti-Transgender violence in the U.S. Out MOV and Marietta College Office of Diversity and Inclusion will host a Candlelight Vigil as part of the 22nd International Transgender Day of Remembrance at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, November 20th. When Financial Aid Doesn't Cover Everything.Consumer Information Guide (HEA) & Disclosures.
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