“Two-Spirit” is a term used within some Indigenous communities, encompassing cultural, spiritual, sexual and gender identity.
The term reflects complex Indigenous understandings of gender roles, spirituality and the long history of sexual and gender diversity in Indigenous cultures. Individual terms and roles for Two-Spirit people are specific to each nation.
Before colonization, Two-Spirit people were included and respected as valued community members, often holding revered roles such as healers, matchmakers and counsellors, among many others. As part of the colonization process, there has been an attempted erasure of Two-Spirit people. The western religious values and belief systems that were imposed on Indigenous people condemned any sort of sexual or gender diversity, and Two-Spirit people were killed or forced into assimilation and hiding. One of many lasting impacts of colonization on Two-Spirit people, is an increased level of homophobia and transphobia within many Indigenous communities, which can often cause Two-Spirit people to leave their home communities (and subsequently, their families, land and culture).
The role of Two-Spirit people in Indigenous communities is now being reclaimed. Come and learn from a panel of Two-Spirit leaders from Treaty 7 and Moh’kinstsis (Calgary).
12 - 12:50 pm | AA 102, Heritage Hall | Registration deadline Sep 26, 2023
Thank you for your interest in this program. Please note submissions are no longer being accepted.