What ties do you have to the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and what steps will you take to grow those connections if elected?

I believe that the NWT is made stronger by its diversity and we have a responsibility to support all communities, especially those made up of vulnerable individuals. On a personal level, I have close friends who identify as 2SLGBTQIPA+. I have employed gay and trans individuals in my professional life, and I am currently working with a campaign team, the majority of which identity as 2SLGBTQIPA+. During the 18th Assembly, I attended each annual “lunch with leaders” organized by the former Rainbow Coalition and attended each pride day event to better educate myself on the issues 2SLGBTQIPA+ face in the NWT. If elected, I will continue to maintain my personal relationships with the community and actively participate in opportunities to engage with 2SLGBTQIPA+ individuals and support local events and organizations.

The Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two Spirit Report specifically states 2SLGBTQQIA+ Indigenous communities are included in the Calls to Action. If you were elected, what is your plan for seeing through an inclusive MMIWG2S Act in the NWT?

Like previous Assemblies, I am committed to implementing all of the Truth and Reconciliation Commissions Calls to Action. I would like to see the territorial government implement policies and principles that align with the Federal Pathway to Address Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People to ensure a consistent approach to ending racialized and gendered violence in our communities. These principles must be based on a respect for human rights, including international and domestic rights and emphasize the leadership of Indigenous families, survivors, women, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people. Our efforts must take a holistic approach to addressing systemic discrimination through self-determined and Indigenous-led solutions, cultural safety, trauma-informed approaches, and a focus on dignity and empowerment. This will guide the government’s commitment to concrete and preventative action, aiming to end violence and promote positive change while acknowledging the strength and diversity of Indigenous communities.

What do you know about the current challenges of two spirit, indigiqueer, transgender, non-binary and gender non-conforming people in the NWT, and what steps will you take to commit to addressing these challenges?

Northerners with diverse gender identities grapple with discrimination and stigma across many areas of social life, encompassing education, employment, healthcare, and housing. This bias exposes them to violence, hate crimes, and harassment, resulting in higher risks of abuse and mental health challenges like anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation. Access to gender-affirming healthcare remains a struggle due to a lack of provider knowledge and sensitivity, while legal and policy hurdles affect the recognition of non-binary and gender non-conforming identities. Younger individuals face bullying and harassment in educational settings, contributing to lower academic attainment and mental health issues. Rejection from families and social networks leaves many without crucial support systems, with employment discrimination exacerbating economic disparities. Intersectionality compounds the challenges, particularly for those belonging to multiple marginalized groups, such as Indigenous Two-Spirit individuals. Moreover, cultural appropriation fosters cultural insensitivity and misunderstanding, further marginalizing these communities. Efforts to combat these issues include legal reforms, educational initiatives, mental health support, and community advocacy, with growing recognition and acceptance of diverse gender identities offering hope for progress. Efforts to address these challenges must include legislative and policy changes that ensure a 2SLGBTQQIA+ lens is applied in all policy decisions, public education and awareness initiatives, enhanced mental health support, and support for community advocacy groups. The NWT has often found itself a trailblazer in inclusivity, which offers hope for positive change towards meaningful recognition and acceptance of Two-Spirit, Indigiqueer, transgender, non-binary, and gender non-conforming individuals.

The NWT currently offers the most protection for two spirit, transgender, non-binary and gender non-conforming people in Canada. This includes gender-affirming surgeries, trans+ healthcare, policies and more. Given the current political atmosphere targeting two spirit, transgender, non-binary and gender non-conforming people, what steps would you take to preserve these protections?

I will not support any budget or bill that would diminish protection or healthcare for two spirit, transgender, non-binary and gender non-conforming people in the NWT. I would also use my voice as an elected official to condemn any efforts that are taken in other jurisdictions and countries to do the same. We must speak with one voice and call out hate and discrimination wherever we find it in society, both our own and in the international community.

The evacuation(s) this past summer were detrimental to many communities with devastating aftermaths. Were you impacted by the evacuation(s) this past summer and what did you do during that time? If elected, how do you plan to deal with the ongoing impacts, and how would you improve a future response?

I remained in Yellowknife during the wildfire evacuation and served as incident commander for Ndilǫ and Dettah as part of the Yellowknives Dene First Nation (YKDFN) Emergency Management Organization. My wife and children evacuated to the south during this time, which was very difficult for our family. In addition to my responsibilities to the YKDFN, I maintained contact with many evacuees and tried to provide some comfort to those missing their homes and community. Northerners deserve real accountability and closure on the wildfire emergency. My platform calls for expanded financial relief for wildfire evacuees to alleviate hardship, ensuring that those affected receive the support they need during these challenging times. There is no cost too great to bear for the GNWT if it means taking care of Northerners after a crisis. I am also calling for an independent public review into the evacuation to ensure transparency and accountability. This report must be completed within 120 days and will provide insights and recommendations to better prepare and protect our community in the future.