Bannock for Binders aims to fill a gap in care

Corydon

South Osborne

Winnipeg

After being inspired by their own over comings, Sunday Queskekapow — a 25-year-old, two-spirit individual from Ohpáskowayáhk (The Pas) — has launched a new initiative called Bannock for Binders.

“It’s something that’s been brewing in my brain for a while now,” Queskekapow laughed.

Bannock for Binders is a pop-up community endeavor. Queskekapow, along with other 2SLGBTQ+ youth, will be selling bannock to raise money for Pride organizations in Northern Manitoba.

“I’m not two-spirit because I’m Indigenous, trans, queer, but because I’m a community member,” Queskekapow said. They explained how important engagement and contributing to the community is to them.

“What got me into this work is my two-spirit identity,” Queskekapow said. The name Bannock for Binders came from Queskekapow’s own experience.

Queskekapow said they knew they were trans at a young age. By 12-years-old, they started working to save money for their first chest binder.

They successfully did so and vividly described running to the post office between classes to see if it had arrived.

In 2020, they moved south to peruse post-secondary education at the University of Manitoba.

Now living in the Corydon area, Queskekapow said some northerners think people in southern Manitoba have “perimeter-itice,” meaning they might not always think about what’s happening 12-hours north.

“I never had a family doctor growing up, healthcare isn’t great. When I moved, I was grateful for gender affirming care,” Queskekapow said. “People shouldn’t have to leave their community for healthcare.”

“I see a lack of funding. As a community member, I wanted to help,” they said.

Bannock for Binders will be selling loaves and slices of bannock, as well as accepting donations, at the farmers market in Osborne on July 15.

The entire project is donation-based, including the ingredients and space to bake.

Queskekapow said they picture a fun environment, with music, and probably some (happy) tears.

“The two-spirit community shows up for each other. I’ve never known a group more willing to donate their time and give support,” they said. “I want this to be a community initiative.”

They plan to share how much money they raise and highlight a different 2SLGBTQ+ organization at each farmer’s market.

Bannock for Binders will also be at the South Osborne Farmers Market on Aug. 5 and Sept. 2 from 4 to 8 p.m.

For more information or to donate, contact sundayqueskekapow@gmail.com