Ep. 42: Walking in Balance: Ma-Nee Chacaby on Being Two-Spirit

Emerging from a place of prophecy, courage, and hard-earned wisdom, this episode traces the extraordinary life of Ma-Nee Chacaby—a Two-Spirit Ojibwe-Cree Elder, activist, storyteller, and acclaimed author whose teachings continue to shift the landscape of 2SLGBTQ+ visibility in Canada. Her story unfolds through memories of her Kookum’s early vision that she would one day become a healer and educator for her people, a path she ultimately walked through decades of community work, advocacy, and leadership.Listeners are brought into Ma-Nee’s reflections on living as Two-Spirit, which she describes as carrying both masculine and feminine spirits in harmony—a balance that shapes how she walks in the world. She speaks to the power and bravery of the younger generation, the shifting landscapes of identity, and the reciprocal learning that happens between youth and elders.The conversation also highlights her groundbreaking memoir A Two-Spirit Journey, the national recognition it has received, and the generations it has touched. Through humour, honesty, and story, Ma-Nee offers insight into resilience, colonial impact, community healing, and the future she sees emerging through today’s youth. Her presence throughout the episode is both grounding and transformative, reminding listeners what it means to lead with heart, and  truth.-Relentless Action1. Choose one conversation this week where you intentionally listen the way Ma-Nee models: without interrupting,  fixing, or assuming you already know. Just be present, and let the other person’s truth unfold on its own timeline.2. Ma-Nee reminds us that young people carry clarity, courage, and “future minds.” Do one small act that honours the younger you. Something they would’ve needed, loved, or felt safe with.Relentless Reflection1. Where in my life have I forgotten the wisdom and courage my younger self already carried? What did they know that I’ve unlearned over time?2. How can I embody balance between the gentle and the fierce, the stillness and the action in my daily life?Relentless Resources -A Two-Spirit Journey: The Autobiography of a Lesbian Ojibwa-Cree Elder by Ma-nee Chacaby-Academic Article: Envisioning the future of culturally safe healthcare systems for Indigenous women, Two-Spirit, Indigiqueer and gender diverse peoplesSend Us a Text with Your Thoughts or Questions!Join the RIW Patreon Community RIW WebsiteMusic Produced by Award-Winning Anishnaabe DJ Boogey the Beat