Two-Spirits Talking (2ST)
Two-Spirits Talking (2ST) is for Two-Spirit (2S) and Indigiqueer (IQ) community at the UM and beyond. We have weekly drop-in Talking Circles in the Circle Room at Migizii Agamik Bald Eagle Lodge nearly every Friday evening. We also attend gender-inclusive ceremonies, land-based and cultural learning opportunities, drag events, workshops, community gatherings off-campus, and more!
2ST exists to build relationships among 2S/IQ Peoples, celebrate unique, sacred identities, and to find kinship, healing, and affirmation through 2S/IQ ways of knowing, being, and doing.
Overview
Who is this for: Two-Spirits Talking invites all Two-Spirit/Indigiqueer (First Nations, Inuit, and Métis 2SLGBTQPIA+) students, staff, faculty, alumni, and community beyond the University of Manitoba to participate.
How to join: Drop in weekly to Talking Circles on Friday evenings in the Circle Room and join the mailing list to be sent registration forms for other opportunities like workshops, guest speakers, and community outings.
Do I have to identify as Indigenous and/or queer to participate?
Yes, you should identify as Two-Spirit and/or Indigiqueer.
2ST is intended to be a safe(r) space for Two-Spirit and Indigiqueer Peoples by affirming the intersections of culture and Queerness. Meaning, it is open to folks who identify as 2SLGBTQPIA+ and who are Indigenous.
Our funding comes from the Mastercard Foundation’s EleV program, which supports initiatives directed towards First Nations, Inuit, and Métis youth, which means Indigenous Peoples of Turtle Island are the target audience for participation. Indigenous peoples from beyond Turtle Island will not be turned away, but please keep in mind who this program is meant to support.
The only case where a cisgender, heterosexual, non-Indigenous person may be invited to attend is if they are accompanying a Two-Spirit/Indigiqueer person to a 2ST gathering to support their comfort and safety.
Are there costs?
There is no cost associated with participating in Two-Spirits Talking.
Schedule
Talking Circles happen every Friday from 4:30 - 6:00 p.m. in the Circle Room at Migizii Agamik Bald Eagle Lodge (114 Sidney Smith Street).
Other events such as ceremonies, workshops, and off-campus opportunities will happen at least once per term and will require registration.
Keep updated on the 2ST Instagram, Facebook or the UM Indigenous Calendar of Events for information on the upcoming events.
What to expect
Talking Circles offer bannock, tea, other light refreshments, and hands-on, arts-based activities like colouring, knitting/crochet, beading, and fidget toys. Talking Circles are meant to be less formal than Sharing Circles, allowing for culturally grounded visiting and sharing, while promoting neurodivergent accessibility through a queer lens.
"What I enjoyed most about my time with 2ST is being with a community that accepted you no matter where you were on your journey of self discovery and identity."
2ST participant
A peek at past programming
Two-Spirits Talking looks different every year. Some highlights from previous years include:
- Camping and helping at 2S Sundance, including land prep days, info circles, and wrap-around supports offered beforehand.
- Invitations to attend gender-inclusive/affirming Sweat Lodge ceremonies led by 2S Elders and allies, including prep sessions beforehand.
- Queer Bingo at the West End Cultural Centre, supporting Sunshine House.
- Gender-inclusive/affirming ribbon apparel workshops. Participants choose to create their own ribbon skirt, pants, shirt, or vest, with costs fully covered.
- Beading, collaging, and drag make-up workshops.
Previous guest speakers include:
- 2S Elder Kookum Charlotte Nolin on "What it means to be Two-Spirit."
- Two-Spirit scholar and drag king Dr. Adrienne Huard/Randy Rivers on queering performance art.
- Harm reductionist Chris Trimble on safer sex and substance use.
- 2S youth activist Sunday Queskekapow on Northern 2S initiatives and supports.
Program staff
Lauren Hallet (she/they) - Program Coordinator of 2ST. Master's student in Community Health Sciences. Member of Scaabe School, the Two-Spirit Michif Local, and Research Assistant for the Métis Wellness Project.
Carley Hallett (she/they) - Program Assistant for 2ST, Red River Métis, undergraduate student in Indigenous Studies and Women’s and Gender Studies.
Ayden Pitt (Wiiya/TheyThem) - Program Assistant for 2ST, Red River Métis, undergraduate student in Social Work, and 2026-2027 UMISA 2SLGBTQIA+ Executive.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Lauren Hallet at Lauren.Hallet@umanitoba.ca.
Two-Spirits Talking Mailing List
Sign up to receive emails with the details of upcoming programming and opportunities.