What is Two-Spirit Wellness?
We are a community of people dedicated to connecting individuals, who identify as Two-Spirit, with Indigenous Elders who belong to and/or support the Two-Spirit culture and traditions. We offer a safe and nonjudgmental space for Two-Spirit individuals to engage in healing circles facilitated by Elders, where they can share their stories and work toward recovery from the impacts of colonialism, discrimination, and intergenerational trauma through emotional support, spiritual growth, and respect and value for every individual's personal journey. In addition to the healing circles, we offer a unique space for Two-Spirit individuals to contribute to the sharing of cultural knowledge. Each participant has the opportunity to lead a 15-minute teaching about their own culture, beliefs, and practices, relating them to Two-Spirit traditions, with guidance and approval from the Elders. We connect individuals with Elders, peers, and mental health services to support their journey with substance use and mental health challenges. These resources ensure holistic healing and comprehensive care for each person. Our mission is to empower, educate, and uplift Two-Spirit individuals while fostering a community of support and cultural reclamation.
Traditional Indigenous cultures across North America have long recognized and honored Two-Spirit individuals who embody both masculine and feminine qualities. These individuals held revered roles within their communities, serving as healers, medicine persons, keepers of knowledge and traditions, and participants in ceremonies. In fact, male and female Two-Spirit individuals have been documented in over 130 Indigenous tribes, stretching over the entire continent.
The term "Two-Spirit" itself is a recently coined one, serving as an umbrella term to describe Indigenous peoples who are diverse in terms of their sexual orientation and gender identity. However, community-specific definitions and roles for gender and sexual orientation are more complex and differ across communities. For example, the Diné (Navajo) culture recognizes the nádleehi, a role that is fluid and cannot be simply described in terms of gender binaries. Similarly, the Zuni culture acknowledges the lhamana who are male-bodied individuals, performing social and ceremonial roles that are usually performed by women.
These roles were integral parts of the social and ceremonial practices of Indigenous communities, highlighting a cultural acceptance and profound esteem for gender diversity. However, European colonization imposed rigid gender norms and marginalized these diverse identities, leading to significant cultural and spiritual disruption and loss. Understanding these traditional roles and the impacts of colonization are crucial for supporting the healing and revitalization of Two-Spirit individuals and their communities today.