Two-Spirit Roles & Responsibilities

NaWalka Geeshy Meegwun and Aaron Bowerman, members of the Anishinabek Nation’s Two-Spirit, Two-Heart, Indigenous Queer Nation Advisory Council, talk about their understandings of Two Spirit histories, and how Two-Spirit people traditionally had highly respected community roles and responsibilities.  Today, Two Spirit people are reclaiming their rightful place within our communities, with the help of Anishinaabe who have held on to our original teachings; ceremonies, and intergenerational support, especially for vulnerable Two Spirit youth who are looking to reconnect to Anishinaabe ceremony and community.  This is the second of four podcasts that Bemaadizijig Ganoonindwaa has created in collaboration with members of the Anishinabek Nation’s Two-Spirit, Two-Heart, Indigenous Queer Nation Advisory Council exploring Two-Spirit themed topics: Two-Spirit Terminology; Two-Spirit Histories, Roles and Responsibilities; Homophobia; and Health. NaWalka Geeshy Meegwun (Longfeather), also known as Lyndon George, is a member of the Chippewas of Kettle and Stony Point First Nation and lives in Hamilton. NaWalka Geeshy Meegwun identifies as Anishinaabe Ojokwe, one of many terms used by the Two-Spirit community.  NaWalka Geeshy Meegwun works in the justice field and has worked with Indigenous people all of their life, both on and off-reserve. Aaron Bowerman was born and raised in Sheguiandah First Nation on Manitoulin Island. Aaron identifies as an Anishinaabe Two-Spirit man. Aaron has worked in the Greater Toronto Area for over 10 years supporting various communities as a front-line harm reduction worker.  Aaron is currently employed with the City of Toronto as an Indigenous Research Associate. Links and Resources: For more information about the Anishinabek Nation’s Anishinabek Nation’s Two-Spirit, Two-Heart, Indigenous Queer Nation Advisory Council, contact: Barb Naveau, Special Projects Coordinator. Anishinabek News: Anishinabek Nation welcomes new advisory council Statement by Hon. Murray Sinclair-Baa regarding the Tragedy in Florida Reclaiming Power and Place – Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA people Meant to be – Kristen Shawana baa’s story.  This podcast is produced by the Communications Department at the Anishinabek Nation.  Music: “Brothers” by Wolf Saga and Chippewa Travellers, and “Where the Road Meets the Sky” by Justin Delorme, licensed by Nagamo Publishing, and "Immersed" by Kevin MacLeod.  Click here to download the transcript.