Where the Rivers Meet is a Fyrefly Institute educational initiative that is connected to Fyrefly in Schools. This program focuses on bringing culturally relevant teachings based on Indigenous ways of knowledge. Teachings include traditional and contemporary perspectives on Indigenous gender and sexual diversity.
We work primarily in the Edmonton region but are expanding to serve indigenous communities, schools, and organizations all across Alberta.
We also offer some professional development for those who are looking for ways to support Two-Spirit and LGBTQ+ Indigenous youth.
This program uses traditional knowledge and teachings to focus on building tools for Two-Spirit and LGBTQ+ Indigenous allyship and advocacy with Indigenous (First Nations, Métis, and Inuit) youth, their schools and their communities at large.
Our workshops help to:
- Reduce discrimination against sexual and gender minority youth.
- Increase awareness of the impacts of homo/bi/transphobia.
- Recognize the distinct, intersecting stigma experienced by those who are both Indigenous and queer.
- Integrate local knowledges and teachings into allyship and advocacy practices.
Where the Rivers Meet delivers workshop plans that offer support on a multitude of levels: peer- to-peer education for youth (between the ages of 14-24) both within the school system and outside of it (such as group homes, youth drop-in centres, and others!), professional development for educators in the school systems, and for frontline / support staff in social service and child welfare environments.
Workshops are designed to follow the teachings of the medicine wheel by focusing on bringing the whole community into the conversation. While non-Indigenous LGBTQ+ folks may feel the need to distance themselves from the homophobia/transphobia they may have grown up experiencing by "coming out" independent of their family of origin, Two-Spirit and LGBTQ+ Indigenous people are more likely to desire an experience of "coming in" to their culture and traditional ways of being that view sexual and gender diversity as a gift that strengthens the community as a whole. All members of the community must be interdependently on board to include and affirm Indigiqueer youth. Each of these groups of people are instrumental to the health and well-being of Two-Spirit and LGBTQ+ Indigenous youth. It is our belief that it takes a whole community to raise a child and that awareness and advocacy needs to happen at every level.
Workshops we offer include, but are not limited to:
- Two-Spirit / Indigiqueer Pasts, Presents, and Futures
- Becoming Conscious Allies: An introduction to sexual and gender diversity and inclusion
- Decolonizing Gender & Sexuality
- Anti-Oppression Training
- In-School Two-Spirit / Indigiqueer Professional Development
- Professional Development for Teachers and Frontline Staff
For more information or to book a workshop
Connect with our Where the Rivers Meet Program Coordinator Rae Madge (they/she) at wtrm@ualberta.ca
Recognition & Gratitude
Where the Rivers Meet relies heavily on the support and generosity of our community members and partners. As a result of the continuous support from our community partners, WTRM is able to continue to serve Two-Spirit and LGBTQ+ Indigenous youth. WTRM raises awareness and gives these youth a voice through sharing traditional teachings and knowledge with the wider community. Thank you for helping us build a more inclusive community.
Donate to Fyrefly
The Fyrefly Institute has served 2SLGBTQ+ people for more than twenty years, fighting for queer rights since before marriage equality was achieved in Canada. Every year, we reach and support thousands of people throughout the province. To sustain our thriving programs, please donate to the Fyrefly Institute fund.
Contact Us
Fyrefly Institute for Gender and Sexual Diversity
fyrefly@ualberta.ca
780.492.0772
