Two-Spirit / Indigiqueer Pasts, Presents, and Futures

This workshop aims to develop an appreciation of the diverse histories of gender and sexuality on Turtle Island (what is now known as North America) pre-colonization, helps to recognize the effects of colonization on Indigenous gender and sexual diversity historically and currently, and provides hopeful paths towards the acceptance, support, and celebration of queer Indigenous folks. In this workshop, we will explore strategies that foster decolonial allyship practices in the spaces we occupy, including the workplace and interpersonally.

Bio: Rae Madge (she/they) is a Deh’cho Dene and mixed-settler woman+ who works as the Program Coordinator for Where The Rivers Meet at the Fyrefly Institute for Gender and Sexual Diversity. Her role at Fyrefly involves teaching educational workshops to celebrate and affirm Two-Spirit and LGBTQIA+ Indigenous peoples, especially youth. Rae is deeply passionate about helping individuals and organizations cultivate expansive views of gender and sexuality, free of colonial, patriarchal, and otherwise restrictive perspectives. Rae is Two-Spirit, Bisexual, and Queer.