All N ations H ope AIDS N etwork Written by : Ron Horsefall Pasqua First Nation, Saulteaux Nation Weiwha 1849—1896 W O PIRIT Outreach Coordinator, All Nations Hope T S Two-spirited person from PEO PLE Technical : the Zuni Nation in Lana Holinaty Southwest United States Health Promotions Coordinator, All Nations Hope and was recognized for his contributions to the life of 2735 5th Ave. his village and to the Regina, SK S4T 0L2 outside world. Phone: (306) 924-8424 Toll Free: 1-877-210-7622 Fax: (306) 525-3698 Website: www.allnationshope.ca The making of this pamphlet was sponsored by: Ron Horsefall Present-day Two-spirited person in Mens’ Tradi- tional Regalia and is an inspirational speaker on issues pertaining to the Aboriginal community. Each Nation had specific roles for Two Spirit People that sites alternating between Canada and the United SvnRohqhsOdnokd differed from nation to nation. States. The first Gathering was held at Most First Nations have a word for Two Spirits in their Minneapolis, Minnesota in 1988 and has been Long before any European set foot on North languages: going for 17 years. There are also Two Spirit groups America (Turtle Island), there was a way of life in Canada and the United States. Cree: Ayekkwe or A’yahkwew Male where Two Spirit People played an integral role in Two Spirits are the last aspect of Native culture most First Nations. The word Two Spirit is a recent ñ Ojibway: Ogokwe Female and spirituality to come back into the Circle to term that was coined by an Elder from Winnipeg in Agokwa Male make it complete, and take their rightful place of 1990 and it encompasses Aboriginal Gay, Lesbian, ñ Lakota: Lila witkowin Female honor in the Circle. Bisexual, Transgender and Intersexed People. Winkte Male All MY RELATIONS Two Spirit is much more than just sexual Since the arrival of Europeans the Two Spirit traditions orientation, it goes deeper into spirituality, roles have been oppressed and as a result of this oppression, and gender. Two Spirits traditionally were Medicine mainstream society as well as Aboriginal communities People, Healers, Teacher, Seers, Artists, Spiritual have little or no knowledge about Two Spirit traditions. Guides and Mediators. There was great respect Two Spirits were at a place of honor when our culture Osh Tisch ( in Crow language translates to “Finds and honor for Two Spirits and they held important and spirituality was intact and now they are at a place of them and kills them”) - 19th Century spiritual and ceremonial responsibilities. shame. Male to female transgendered warrior, healer, and Two Spirits have both the male and the female spir- The Two Spirit Movement started because there were ritual artist. After his death no one among the Crow its and are the balance between man and woman. numerous Two Spirits looking for healing, in recovery openly took up the transgendered role and the from addictions and infected with HIV. Today, there is ceremonial role was lost. an International Two Spirit Gathering held each year, .