For Immediate Release
May 30, 2023
Beardy’s & Okemasis’ Cree Nation, Treaty 6 – The following statement was released today by the Creeland Dancers:
“The Creeland Dancers were originally scheduled to perform at the St. Michael’s School in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan on June 6th, 2023.
We have spoken with organizers and have taken the unprecedented step of withdrawing from the event.
As artists, and performers, we cannot condone activities or organizations that openly promote hate, bigotry, or exclusion.
Recent comments by the GSCS Superintendent of Education, Tom Hickey, regarding the Rainbow Tent at the Children’s Festival demonstrate that Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools are not places that celebrate difference, inclusion, love, or acceptance.
Many past and present Creeland Dancers identify as Two-Spirit or LGBTQ+, and our continued participation in events hosted by GSCS would open our dancers to feelings of discomfort or outright hostility.
The Creeland Dancers wholeheartedly condemn the words spoken and actions taken by the Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools, and remind the GSCS that their stance runs contrary to their ‘welcoming community’ philosophy.
We implore the GSCS to rescind this backward decision.“
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Creeland Dancers 