Two-Spirit identities
While there are some who use the term Two-Spirit to refer broadly to all queer Indigenous people, the term is more commonly used for identities that originate in traditional understandings of gender and sexuality (rather than Western colonial binaries). Because these traditions and understandings are culturally and spiritually specific, it’s important to recognize that Two-Spiritedness is not an identity universal to all Indigenous communities or something that is a part of all Indigenous worldviews.
The video below features Passamaquoddy Two-Spirit artist and educator Geo Neptune and provides a brief overview of Two-Spirit identities:
Resources on Two-Spirit identities, Indigenous gender and sexual identities, and colonization
- An introduction to the health of Two-Spirit people: Historical, contemporary and emergent issues [2016]This resource from the National Collaborating Centre for Indigenous Health (NCCIH) introduces the diversity of Two-Spirit roles and identities; provides an overview of the impacts of colonization on Indigenous peoples' gender and sexual identities; and discusses the social determinants of health for Two-Spirit people
- Sharing our lived experiences: Eight tips for understanding the Two-Spirit/LGBTQ journey for Native youth in the child welfare system [2014]This tip sheet was developed by the National Resource Center for Tribes (NRC4Tribes) and Tribal STAR, a program of the Academy for Professional Excellence SDSU School of Social Work. The tips are based on conversations with Two-Spirit people who were formerly in care or adopted
- Sharing our lived experiences: 22 tips for caring for Two-Spirit and Native LGBTQ youth in the child welfare system [2014]This tip sheet was developed by the National Resource Center for Permanency and Family Connections (NRCPFC) and the National Resource Center for Tribes (NRC4Tribes). The tips are based on conversations with Two-Spirit people who were formerly in care or adopted
- We're here: Indigenous 2SLGBTQ+ youth across Ontario assert needs and experiences [2020]Snapshot report from LGBT YouthLine’s Provincial Youth Ambassador Project (PYAP) looking at the experiences and needs of 2SLGBTQ+ youth in Ontario. For all reports and materials associated with PYAP, see here
- Supporting Two-Spirit and Indigenous LGBTT2QQIA youth in the Ontario child welfare system [2015]Joint submission by the Native Youth Sexual Health Network (NYSHN) and the Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres (OFIFC) to develop a resource guide in support of Two-Spirit and Indigenous LGBTT2QQIA youth in the Ontario child welfare system
- The early colonial context of violence against gender-diverse people [2019]From Volume 1a of Reclaiming power and place: The final report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls
- Understanding distinctive experiences of danger in the lives of 2SLGBTQQIA people [2019]From Volume 1a of Reclaiming power and place: The final report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls
- Two Spirits, One Voice [2018]Video from Egale providing an overview of the history and challenges impacting Two-Spirit people in Canada
- Two-Spirit rites of passage [2019]Conference keynote presentation from Two-Spirit Nehiyô (Plains Cree) physician Dr. James Makokis. Among other topics, Makokis discusses his transgender health focused practice as well as Two-Spirit rites of passage ceremonies for Indigenous youth
