Visit the Rainbow Community Calendar to see what's happening this week!

Two-Spirit and Indigiqueer

For Two-Spirit and Indigiqueer People

SPECTRUM acknowledges the truth that the Indigenous Peoples of this land recognise Two-Spirit as a sacred way of being, an individual who carries in them the medicines and teaching of many genders and sexualities. This traditional regard for Two-Spirit peoples has set them apart in their knowledge and they have always been regarded as important, respected, and fully accepted members of their communities. The histories and teachings of Two-Spirit peoples have always influenced and added to Indigenous ways of knowing.

SPECTRUM is committed to working towards reconciliation and ensuring that our programs, services, and practices are culturally relevant and accessible to Indigenous peoples in our community.

For us, "Indigiqueer" extends to those who may be Indigenous, queer and from a place other than Turtle Island.

Indigenous Circles

Two-Spirit and Indigiqueer Circle

This group is co-facilitated by Dewe'igan and Shay. It meets monthly on the second Thursday of the month from 6-8pm and is a space for Two-Spirit and Indigiqueer people to gather and build community, increasing their sense of resiliency and overall well-being by building their social network and learning from one another. 

This group is for all ages but please note that there will be a particular focus on healing from the harms of Indian Day School, Residential School, the Sixties Scoop and the Millennium Scoop. These topics can be triggering and challenging and participants should take this into account. 

The group will be hybrid in-person at SPECTRUM and virtual on Zoom. Participants can register to attend the Zoom sessions here

Educational Resources

Here are some helpful resources for understanding Indigenous, and especially Two-Spirit context in our community and beyond.

CBRC Two-Spirit Terminology Guide

The goal of this terminology guide is to increase awareness of the Two-Spirit Peoples and communities, and to provide safer language for researchers to use.

National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation

The NCTR was created as part of the mandate of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC), charged with listening to Survivors, their families, communities and others affected by the residential school system and educating Canadians about their experiences. The resulting collection of statements, documents and other materials now forms the sacred heart of the NCTR.

Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls

Reclaiming Power and Place is the final report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.

Crisis Resources

Indian Residential School Survivors

The Indian Residential Schools Crisis Line is available 24-hours a day for anyone experiencing pain or distress as a result of his or her Residential school experience. 1.800.721.0066

Talk4Healing

Talk4Healing is a culturally grounded, fully confidential helpline for Indigenous women available in 14 languages all across Ontario. 1.855.554.4325

SPECTRUM News

Or contact us for other support

If you have questions about SPECTRUM's programs and services please feel free to reach out.

SPECTRUM offers a safe place where 2SLGBTQ+ individuals can be themselves and find community and supports.