Wabanaki Two-Spirit Alliance

A group of volunteers, researchers, academics, knowledge holders, youth and Elders Wabanaki Two-Spirits and Allies (directly related to W2SA interests)

Wabanaki Two-Spirit Alliance

The Wabanaki Two-Spirit Alliance (W2SA) was founded in 2010 and incorporated in 2018. The Alliance was born in response to a call from Two-Spirits in the Wabanaki region to establish a regional organization for Two-Spirits by Two-Spirits as an Indigenous organization. Two-Spirits were facing challenges of homophobia, transphobia, racism, cultural and geographical displacement as Two-Spirits/Indigenous LGBTQ+ and a lack of cultural acceptance in their communities, among other issues that affected their well-being, mental health and their fundamental human rights. In 2010, the Alliance held its first regional meeting at the Liscombe Lodge, NS. It was the first regional gathering in 15 years. It was attended by 50+ Two-Spirits who shared their stories of survival, resiliency, and the celebration of life. It was at this gathering that the Mission and Vision were born for the Alliance. The name was approved, and the Alliance began to work its magic.

Mission: Represent the emotional, spiritual, mental and physical well-being and interests of Two Spirits and Indigenous LGBTQ+ individuals and groups in Wabanaki Territory (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland/Labrador, Gaspé region of Quebec, and Maine (northern areas in Passamaquoddy and Penobscot Tribal territories) based on our beliefs and values in the framework within the Peace and Friendship Treaty.

Vision: Strive to provide equitable and safe environments for Two Spirits and Indigenous LGBTQ+ to live and thrive spiritually, mentally, physically and emotionally within our Wabanaki territory.

Goals

* Develop supports for Two Spirits and Indigenous LGBTQ+ in areas of health, education, and socio-economic development and well-being;

* Conduct research by Two Spirits and Indigenous LGBTQ+ for Two Spirits and Indigenous LGBTQ+ through community engagement and consultation;

* Provide a voice for Two Spirits and Indigenous LGBTQ+ on all levels of interest including cultural knowledge, Two-Spirit identity including awareness, spirituality, and ceremony within Wabanaki Territory, nationally and internationally;

* Strive to represent the unique perspectives of Two Spirits in gender and sexual identity, including all current and future development of rights for equality and representation in all levels of society within and outside our Wabanaki Territory.

* Build relations and kinship within and outside Wabanaki Territory for knowledge and cultural sharing, policy development, partnership building with other LGBTQ+ and Allies to achieve our goals.

* Develop ways to enhance the Alliance’s mandate within the Wabanaki Territory through knowledge sharing, collaboration, and representation of Two-Spirits.

Wabanaki Two Spirit Alliance (W2SA).

John R. Sylliboy / Tuma Young

Co-Founders