Two-Spirit and Indigenous LGBTQQIA+ Celebration and Awareness Day (March 20)

Two-Spirit and Indigenous LGBTQQIA+ Celebration and Awareness Day is an annual event dedicated to celebrating and raising awareness.

The day aims to recognize and celebrate the diversity of Two-Spirit and Indigenous LGBTQQIA+ identities, expressions, and experiences, while also raising awareness about the unique challenges they face and highlighting their valuable contributions.

Developed by the Two Spirit community and the Centre for Community-Based Research in Alberta, this observance takes place on March 20, intentionally coinciding with the spring equinox—a time symbolizing transformation and change, which holds significance for Two-Spirit peoples.

Together, we are advancing towards providing a culturally safe experience for all patients and staff and fostering understanding, community, and safety for all patients. Embracing these values is a top priority in our Strategic Plan 2026, and we are actively working to integrate them into every facet of our organization.

To learn more, click here!

Check out the YouTube videos and the podcast below to hear the stories of Two-Spirit and LGBTQQIA+ Indigenous individuals.

The Indigenous Doctor Helping Trans Youth

  • Alberta, Canada. Doctor James Makokis identifies as “two-spirit” – a term used by and for Indigenous LGBT+ people in North America who identify with both masculinity and femininity and which harks back to pre-colonial third gender roles. On the First Nations reservation of Kehewin Cree Nation, Dr. Makokis spends much of his working life supporting other “two-spirit” people, particularly transgender teenagers, many of whom face persecution within their own communities.

Elder Ma-Nee Chacaby Talks About 2-Spirit Identities

  • Two-Spirit Elder Ma-Nee Chacaby shares her personal story as well as teachings

A 2-Spirit Journey:

Finding Identity Through Indigenous Culture

  • Gina knew there was something missing in her life. Seeking help from a spiritual healer, she realized the answers lied within her own Mi’gmaq culture.

Deconstructing Colonial Gender Roles with Dr. Ruth Green (Podcast)

  • Green is an activist turned accidental academic. She identifies as an urban Indigenous person and is a citizen of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy. She is from the Kanien’keha:ka Nation and is a member of the Turtle Clan.
  • Green likes to think, discuss, and write about Indigenous education. She teaches about the Indigenous resistance to the social issues that the geo-political nation-state of Canada has created while also working to address the impacts on Indigenous communities.