Wabanaki Two-Spirit Alliance
Wabanaki Two-Spirit Alliance represents Two-Spirit people across 36 First Nations communities, 6 Inuit communities of Labrador and 2 Innu Nations. In partnership with the Bell Let’s Talk Diversity Fund, they are developing a mental health strategy for Two-Spirit communities, grounded in the culturally specific supports they have provided for over a decade.
This is medicine to us. This is a form of prayer. This is a form of identity building. When we do get to that state of balance within our identity about being sure who you are mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually, then you can live who you are as a Two-Spirit person fully.
Wabanaki Two-Spirit Alliance is establishing wellness supports that consider the intersections of race, identity, culture, gender, sexuality and spirituality. With funding from Bell Let’s Talk, they will offer opportunities for community gatherings, provide cultural competency training, and develop an app to support Two-Spirit people. By incorporating traditional music, drumming, beading and other ceremonies, Wabanaki Two-Spirit Alliance will engrain cultural knowledge in their approach to wellness and help Two-Spirit and Indigenous LGBTQ+ communities build lasting relations across Wabanaki territory and beyond.
"I think this program in general is really about community-building and strength and finding belonging among community. There’s an opportunity to find people who are walking a similar path and be able to help each other out."