Indigenous leader working to create safe spaces for everyone

Since being elected, Tyler George has been working towards making long-lasting and meaningful changes that transcend all borders.

In May of 2023, at the age of 26, they became the youngest and the first Two-Spirit person elected to council for the Kakisiwew-Ochapowace First Nation located two hours east of Regina.

Born and raised in the community, George left briefly to study at Sask Polytech and at the University of Saskatchewan. After university, they served as a Criminal Pending Officer and a Paralegal specializing in Criminal Defense and Civil Litigation.

“I gained valuable insight into the justice system from both the prosecution and defense perspectives,” said George. “However, I felt a calling to do more for First Nations people.”

Now as an elected leader, they hold the Laws, Justice, Sports, and Recreation portfolios.

The young leader is committed to protecting and upholding inherent and Treaty rights and advocating for the Two-Spirit, and LGBTQQIA+ community.

“Growing up, I always knew I was Two-Spirit, but I didn’t have the language to define my identity,” said George. “When the term “Two-Spirit” was introduced, it resonated deeply with me. I have always been accepted by my community… Kakisiwew-Ochapowace Nation has always been a place where I could be who Creator made me to be.”

The First Nation championed inclusiveness long before George was elected to council.

Ochapowace displays a Two-Spirit flag at the local school and community multiplex, it hosted a Two-Spirit powwow special, and participated in Regina’s Pride Parade.

“These initiatives are about more than just visibility,” said George. “They are about restoring the traditional roles of Two-Spirit people within our communities.”

Five months after being elected, the Government of Saskatchewan passed the Parents’ Bill of Rights, which George is vehemently against.

“(It) directly targets Two-Spirit youth and restricts their ability to express their identities,” they said. “These policies and statements incite hate and put our youth at risk.”

George believes governments can’t talk about Truth and Reconciliation or about ending violence against Indigenous people while simultaneously passing legislation that harms Two-Spirit youth.

“My role as a leader is to protect their inherent right to be who Creator made them to be,” said George.

Being a Two-Spirit leader is not for the weak

“My presence in leadership is a testament to the resilience of our people and a message to future generations that they belong in these spaces too,” said George.

One year into their term, they worked with the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations to pass a resolution to create a Two-Spirit Youth Chief. George is also chair of the Assembly of First Nations 2SLGBTQQIA+ National Council.

“Our Nations are actively restoring our traditional ways and recognizing the leadership roles that Two-Spirit people have always held within our communities,” they said.

In January, George served as the youth co-chair for the Indigenous Federal, Provincial, and Territorial Roundtable on MMIWG2S+.

“It was an opportunity to hold governments accountable and ensure they listen to the voices of those directly impacted,” said George.

Internationally, they attended the 23rd Session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues in New York City to deliver a keynote speech and participate in a panel titled “Unity in Diversity: Indigenous intersectionality, Identity and lived experiences.”

George was also involved in negotiating policy at the Tri-Lateral Table in Mexico City on Violence Against Indigenous People, a commitment made by Canada, the U.S., and Mexico at the World Leaders Summit under President Barack Obama.

“As a young, Two-Spirit, First Nations leader, I walk into spaces that weren’t originally meant for someone like me,” said George.

“People like me are often excluded, and it’s difficult to enter rooms where you’re not welcome most of the time.”

The work is not over

“There are active pieces of legislation that limit the rights and existence of people like me,” said George. “As a Two-Spirit person, I live in a world where there are laws that criminalize my identity, and where our people are being targeted and murdered. We can’t safely travel to many places, and we can’t even be guaranteed safety in a bathroom.”

They remain vigilant and determined in their fight for change.

“I hold the strength of my ancestors in these spaces,” said George. “I sit in these rooms with the resilience of the Kakisiwew-Ochapowace people and the strength of our ancestors guiding me.”