Whitehorse, YT – Last Thursday, when Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre started his speech at an Assembly of First Nations (AFN) meeting in Montreal several delegates turned their backs on him to show disagreement and disappointment with the Conservative Leader.
Duane Aucoin, co-chair of the two-spirit council of the AFN and board member of Queer Yukon, says he only intended to listen but he was inspired to stand up after seeing a lone veteran with his back turned to the Conservative Leader. After being further encouraged by the Two-Spirit Council behind him he asked the veteran if he could join him. The veteran welcomed his support.
“All of a sudden cameras and photographers surround us,” said Aucoin. “It was quite scary to do such a public act, but at the same time, I’m sure the veterans who have stood up as well with us felt this was a necessary message to get across to him.”
Seven veterans and one leader in the two-spirit community turned their backs on the Conservative Leader.
Aucoin joined to protest Poilievre’s lack of support for Two-Spirit peoples in the name of parental rights.
“He can’t say he stands for reconciliation with Indigenous people when he attacks some of the most vulnerable members of the community.”
Afterward, Chief Judy Wilson, Secretary-Treasurer of Union of BC Indian Chiefs and Chief of Neskonlith Indian Band, confronted Poilievre directly, questioning his silence on critical issues like missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls, the legacy of residential schools and climate change.
Poillievre left immediately after the question and answer period but Aucoin said the message he hopes the Conservative Leader leaves with is simple.
“He’s got to learn to listen. Like most politicians, he talks a lot and listens very little. The message that we gave by turning our backs and the message that the chiefs who came to the microphone to talk to him afterward is he’s got to listen.”
Almost a week since turning his back, Aucoin says he’s not surprised at receiving a wave of racist backlash but the support he’s shown from Indigenous communities and allies leaves him proud of having taken a stand.
“It’s hope that people are willing to stand up and make a difference and stand up to intolerance and hate without lowering ourselves to their level and getting into the gutter while still maintaining that respect and dignity,” reflected Aucoin. “It was a good week.”
