Visit the Rainbow Community Calendar to see what's happening this week!

Two-Spirit and Indigiqueer

For Two-Spirit and Indigiqueer People

Spectrum acknowledges the truth that the Indigenous Peoples of this land recognise Two-Spirit as a sacred way of being, an individual who carries in them the medicines and teaching of many genders and sexualities. This traditional regard for Two-Spirit peoples has set them apart in their knowledge and they have always been regarded as important, respected, and fully accepted members of their communities. The histories and teachings of Two-Spirit peoples have always influenced and added to Indigenous ways of knowing.

Spectrum is committed to working towards reconciliation and ensuring that our programs, services, and practices are culturally relevant and accessible to Indigenous peoples in our community.

For us, "Indigiqueer" extends to those who may be Indigenous, queer and from a place other than Turtle Island.

Two-Spirit, Genderqueer, Fabulous Circle

BRIQ House

In partnership with Willow River Centre and SOAHAC, this group takes place at Willow River Centre on the last Wednesday of the month. Visit the calendar for details.

Are you Indigenous? Do you identify as Two-Spirit, IndigiQueer, Trans or Non-binary? Join us in an all ages brave community space to make connections, talk and grow. Medicines and refreshments provided.

No racism, homophobia, transphobia or garment discrimination will be tolerated.

QRIB Community Hangouts

Come join the QRIB community hangouts, where Queer, Racialized, Indigenous, and Black individuals foster a home away from home! In collaboration with the Willow River Centre, Spectrum's BRIQ House hosts get togethers with refreshments (ex. Karaoke, bon fires, etc). The events are free though capped at 30 people, so we recommend RSVPing! All allies are welcome and encouraged to donate (ex. $5) to the Willow River Centre to support safer queer racialized spaces locally. These take place on the second Friday of the month. Visit the calendar for details. See you there! 

BRIQ House is Spectrum's monthly group for Black, Indigenous, and other Racialized Queer folks in Waterloo Region! Come meet for for discussions and community building. We connect both in-person at Spectrum and virtually on Zoom on the fourth Saturday of the month. Plus, we'll have food! No registration needed, just drop-in. Visit the calendar for details.

Roni (she/they) is a descendant of the Ogoni Tribe and a second-generation settler on the Haldimand Tract. They hold 5+ years of experience working in social disparity advocacy. Notably, they advised 650+ elected leaders on equitable engagement as a consultant for the Canadian Climate Caucus. As the Waterloo Undergraduate Student Association Associate Vice-President of Equity, Roni also shaped health recommendations for the University of Waterloo President's Anti-racism Taskforce. Roni is keen on fostering decolonized and intersectional community spaces that honor diverse ancestral perspectives.

Karla (they/them), an Afro-Indigenous, Queer, Non-Binary neurodivergent individual, draws from their lived experiences to inform community and advocacy work. With extensive experience in community development, queer activism, and climate advocacy, they actively engage with diverse communities. Karla actively contributed insights and policy recommendations to Wilfrid Laurier’s Gendered and Sexual Violence Student Advisory Committee, advocating for survivor support and safer university spaces. They were a member of Laurier’s Association for Black Students. In 2021, as Waterloo’s Green Party federal candidate, they highlighted climate justice and environmental racism. Karla lives by the values of justice, decolonization, anti-oppression, and liberation.

Local Organizations

O:se Kenhionhata:tie

Land Back Camp is a group of Two-Spirit Indigiqueer folks and queer/trans or LGBTQ+ settler accomplices gathering in the Great Peace to celebrate, learn, and thrive in our cultures. Their summer programming has included Elder visits, medicine walks, food sovereignty gardens, arts workshops, and community feasts to name a few.

The Healing of the Seven Generations

The Healing of the Seven Generations offers a wide range of supports for those suffering from the inter-generational legacy of the residential school system.

Crisis Resources

Indian Residential School Survivors

The Indian Residential Schools Crisis Line is available 24-hours a day for anyone experiencing pain or distress as a result of his or her Residential school experience. 1.800.721.0066

Talk4Healing

Talk4Healing is a culturally grounded, fully confidential helpline for Indigenous women available in 14 languages all across Ontario. 1.855.554.4325

Educational Resources

Here are some helpful resources for understanding Indigenous, and especially Two-Spirit context in our community and beyond.

CBRC Two-Spirit Terminology Guide

The goal of this terminology guide is to increase awareness of the Two-Spirit Peoples and communities, and to provide safer language for researchers to use.

National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation

The NCTR was created as part of the mandate of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC), charged with listening to Survivors, their families, communities and others affected by the residential school system and educating Canadians about their experiences. The resulting collection of statements, documents and other materials now forms the sacred heart of the NCTR.

Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls

Reclaiming Power and Place is the final report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.

SPECTRUM News

Or contact us for other support

If you have questions about SPECTRUM's programs and services please feel free to reach out.

SPECTRUM offers a safe place where 2SLGBTQ+ individuals can be themselves and find community and supports.