NORTH BATTLEFORD — The Battlefords are celebrating Two-Spirit people with a special Two-Spirit forum coming up this month.
In Canada, the month of June is National Indigenous History Month and National Pride Month.
In the spirit of raising visibility for both, Battlefords Agency Tribal Chiefs (BATC) and Battlefords Area Pride are collaborating to offer an educational opportunity for the public — a Two-Spirit forum entitled Celebration of Identity; Decolonize Your Thoughts.
The event is intended to support learning for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. It is being held at the Western Development Museum in North Battleford on June 24 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
There is no cost to participants, but pre-registration is required as seating is limited.
Shashonee Paddy, the Two-Spirit co-ordinator at BATC, expressed enthusiasm, saying: “There has not been a lot of representation for Two-Spirit identity in the Battlefords. I am excited to see connections being made in our community; we have more Two-Spirit people here than most people realize.”
The term Two-Spirit is used by Indigenous Peoples of Turtle Island (North America) to describe individuals who embody diverse gender identities and expressions. It’s a concept that predates colonization but was suppressed by the imposition of Western norms. The term was coined by Indigenous LGBTQ+ leaders in 1990, emerging as a way to recognize a pre-colonization concept of gender for Indigenous Peoples.
It serves as a way to reconnect with traditional understandings of gender and sexuality, offering a framework distinct from Western binary gender and sexual orientations.
BATC and Battlefords Area Pride share common goals regarding the Battlefords area's need for deeper understanding of the distinct Two-Spirit identity and for reconciliation efforts on this front.
The purpose of the forum is to explore the historical context and ongoing challenges faced by Two-Spirit Indigenous LGBTQ+ individuals, and to advocate for systemic change. It is important to both organizations that the event be free of charge so socio-economic status is not a barrier.
The speakers and guests chosen for the forum aim to create an inclusive, safe space that honours culture while challenging stereotypes — hence the title, Celebration of Identity.
Traditionally, in Indigenous cultures, individuals who identified as what is now termed Two-Spirit were held in high regard and seen as truth-speakers because they uniquely held both male and female energy.
The keynote speaker for the event, Jack Saddleback, will explore this historical context in his talk titled There Are No Closets in Tipis. Saddleback identifies as a proud Two-Spirit, transgender, gay man from Samson Cree Nation in Maskwacis, Alta. He will connect historical context to the call for reconciliation today — hence the second part of the forum title, Decolonize Your Thoughts.
To invite further discussion, a four-person panel will explore the topic of Two-Spirit identity from a variety of perspectives and take audience questions.
In addition to Saddleback, the panel includes Janelle Pewapsconias, Rex Pete and Keyhew Gopher-Preston.
Pewapsconias is a nehīyaw Cree spoken woman from Little Pine Nation. She is a social innovator, poet, author and inclusive game designer.
Kihew Awasis ekwa Rex Pete-Bull nisihkâson, the master of ceremony for the event, is also from Little Pine First Nation. Pete, who identifies as a Two-Spirit non-binary individual, is an active member of the Battlefords Area Pride board.
Keyhew Gopher-Preston is a proud Nehiyaw Saulteaux/Cree from Saulteaux First Nation, Treaty 6 Territory. He is a life and wellness coach, entrepreneur, motivational speaker, youth advocate, mental health advocate, National Ambassador of Hope for We Matter, Saskatchewan regional representative for the Assembly of First Nations 2SLGBTQQIA+ Council, and youth representative for Saulteaux.
Keyhew said of the upcoming forum: “I am so beyond excited to participate in this forum. I eagerly anticipate engaging in meaningful discussions with fellow individuals who share my values and aspirations. The forum will serve as a nurturing environment that promotes inclusivity and fosters a sense of identity and pride among all peoples."
Another important part of the forum is “allyship” — what it means to be an effective ally to Two-Spirit or gender-nonconforming individuals. Being a good ally means educating oneself and advocating.
Expert on the subject Amanda Guthrie will lead this discussion, based on the idea that no question is a stupid question.
Guthrie, who grew up in the Battlefords but is now a sought-after speaker, is a queer educator and community leader committed to creating inclusive, accessible, anti-racist spaces.
This “Allyship 101” themed discussion will bring together all the shared experiences of the day.
BATC and Battlefords Area Pride are collaborating on this event because both organizations are passionate about education and community building, especially during the month designated to honour Indigenous Peoples and 2SLGBTQ+ individuals. They hope this forum will increase knowledge and awareness in a safe, interactive learning environment.
If you, your staff or your organization members are interested, you can register on Eventbrite by searching the name of the forum online. For further information, visit the Battlefords Area Pride Facebook page or text 306-481-3656.
