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Prior to European contact, third and fourth gender people, known today as Two-spirit people, were pillars of strength in many Indigenous communities. Two-spirit people identify themselves in both female and male gender roles. An integral part of Indigenous society, they were ceremonial leaders, healers and shamans. Through colonization, Indigenous peoples’ identities and cultures were stripped away. Two-spirit peoples’ roles in the community diminished through condemnation and extermination.Ìý

Today there is a resurgence and revitalization of Two-spirit identity and a return to the traditional ways of teaching. However, there continues to be modern day struggles in gaining acceptance within society and Indigenous communities. The panel will explore these every day challenges and highlight the achievements of regaining a lost identity. Through learning from individuals’ experiences, we will gain insight about returning to one’s identity and the cultural history in a rich part of Indigenous people’s society.

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