Meaningful Connections within Community
Indigiqueer +
2-Spirit Gatherings
Indigiqueers collaborates extensively with Elders, who play a pivotal role in enriching programming and guiding protocols which will influence Pride organizations nationwide. Their wisdom and guidance ensure that our initiatives are deeply rooted in cultural relevance and community-driven transformation.
Toronto
In June 2024, in collaboration with Pride Toronto, Indigiqueers held two distinctive community consultation gatherings in Toronto. The initial gathering unfolded at the 4th annual 2-Spirit Pow Wow at Downsview Park, where participants completed a brief survey aimed at gathering insights on desired reforms within the Pride sphere. Subsequently, at Fort York, a profound ceremony took place, including a Pipe Ceremony, Strawberry Feast, and Sharing Circle as part of the Indigenous Arts Festival.
During the 2-Spirit Pow Wow, the community members we consulted with underscored the critical need for enhanced safety, accessibility, and inclusion for trans and non-binary individuals within Pride spaces. Meanwhile, our discussions at the Indigenous Arts Festival centered on participants’ historical interactions with Pride organizations, emphasizing concerns such as budget management and cultural sensitivity regarding alcohol provision at Pride events.
These gatherings allowed us to consult with members of the 2-Spirit community about what is needed to promote best futures. These discussions underscored the importance of inclusive practices and community-driven decision-making.
Vancouver
On July 26, 2024, in collaboration with Vancouver Pride Society, Indigiqueers hosted a nourishing lunch at the Bubly Davie Street Lounge in Vancouver. This event aimed to unite members of the 2-Spirit community, including individuals and various organizations, for collaborative discussions focused on enhancing support from local Pride organizations for 2-Spirit communities in Vancouver.
The event featured wholesome and delicious food provided by Salishan Catering, creating an inviting atmosphere conducive to meaningful dialogue.
During these conversations Indigiqueers gained insights into the challenges, dreams, and aspirations of Vancouver’s 2-Spirit communities. Following the Feast Indigiqueers held breakout groups at the Queer Rights Summit, underscoring our commitment to advocacy and community empowerment
These insights inform our advocacy efforts to affect structural change within Pride organizations, particularly in staffing, programming and governance.
Montréal
In collaboration with the Indigiqueer Circle of Québec, on October 5, 2024, Indigiqueers held a Day of Healing in Montreal tailored to the 2-Spirit community. This gathering facilitated an exchange of traditional knowledge that will shape and guide reforms at local Pride organizations. The event featured presentations and craft workshops alongside the feast.
Led by Indigiqueers and local Elders, the Day of Healing offered a safe and inclusive atmosphere that made it possible to have important conversations about 2-Spirit realities. Conversations focused on identifying challenges and barriers to inclusion that members of the 2-Spirit community face in Montreal, and what their dreams and aspirations are for the future. These conversations serve as the foundation for the advocacy efforts Indigiqueers is engaged in. Indigiqueers will share their findings and reflections on 2-Spirit representation at future forums.
Timmins
On September 13, 2024, Indigiqueers held a lunchtime gathering in collaboration with Fierté Timmins Pride attended by Chief Jennifer Constant of Mattagami First Nation, and local 2-Spirit and Indigiqueer community members. This gathering was held in advance of Timmins Pride and enabled community members to gather and discuss issues facing the Indigenous and queer community in Timmins, covering issues from resource allocation to safety and transphobia.
Through this lunchtime community consultation event Indigiqueers was able to put forward recommendations to improve the representation of Indigenous Youth from the Mattagami community on the Timmins Board of Pride. Indigiqueers also collected insights and data from this community consultation event that will be included in the policy change bundles put forward in the next phase of the overall project.
