Ponoka’s Chevi Rabbit was among a group of honoured representatives in Edmonton to be a Canada Winter Games torch bearer.
While Rabbit lives in Ponoka, their human rights advocacy work in Edmonton — Hate to Hope among the many events they host — was something that gave them the chance to run with the Canada Winter Games torch that is making its way to Red Deer.
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For Rabbit, who ran Jan. 8, it was an honour to be chosen. “It was pretty awesome.”
Many of the organizers were students she studied with at Red Deer College and Rabbit feels being chosen shows a major step in Alberta about inclusivity.
“I now feel like a legitimate person,” she smiled.
Rabbit is openly transgender and also identifies as two-spirit First Nations, and her message has always been about an inclusive province.
Since they’re spending their life in Alberta, Rabbit feels it’s worth putting in the effort to advocate for two-spirit First Nations and LGBTQ individuals.
She was able to run alongside Edmonton Mayor Don Iveson as well as other community leaders. Rabbit praised Iveson for being a strong advocate of inclusiveness in the city.
Despite the chilly weather, the 15 minute run was a special moment for Rabbit that warmed her heart.
“I think it’s really cool to have this human rights advocacy part of the games,” said Rabbit.
On top of the economic boost the Winter Games will bring to Red Deer, Rabbit also feels it will bring some unity to the province. “This will be a good thing where we can come together.”
jeff.heyden-kaye@ponokanews.com
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