One of the action items is to plan a National Gathering for Métis 2SLGBTQQIA+. This gathering took place over three days in June 2025 and simultaneously built community while creating opportunities for grassroots voices in research. The participants had opportunities to guide inclusions in the Métis 2SLGBTQQIA+ National Action Plan.
Goals of the National Gathering
- Have a balance between cultural connections and teachings and exploring the issues of gender-based and orientation-based violence.
- The need for people to come together and build camaraderie within a circle. Although people may know each other through Zoom, they may not truly know each other.
- Create safe spaces for participants to contribute to the creation of the National Action Plan to End Gender-based and Orientation-based Violence. Participation can include the sharing of personal experiences and narratives that contribute to safety, healing, and prevention.
- Offer both cultural experiences and teachings during the Gathering. The inclusion of culture and Koohkominaanik (grandparents) teachings will support the trauma-informed and healing lens required for the discussion and sharing experiences of gender-based and orientation-based violence. The aim is to offer cultural activities, such as smudge ceremonies and pipe ceremonies, to keep everyone grounded and emotionally connected.
- Opportunities to host open forums during the Gathering to allow attendees to express their concerns and opinions.
- Ensure that participants have agency and choice to guide their attendance. No participant should feel obligated to participate in any ceremony or activity. Anyone who wants to join in is welcome to do so.
