Description:
Through this 42-month project, 2 Spirits in Motion Society (2SiMS) will increase its ability to prevent and address gender-based violence against Indigenous women, girls, or 2SLGBTQQIA+ people. The hiring of a 2 Spirit Cultural and Prevention Coordinator and a 2 Spirit Cultural Event Coordinator will increase GBV capacity within the organization, helping to prevent further harm and increasing security within 2SLGBTQQIA+ communities. This will be achieved through GBV preventative approaches such as Equinox gatherings and the harvesting and sharing of traditional medicines, and the prioritization of Indigenous healing practices, such as pipe ceremonies, blessings, and storytelling.
To preserve and promote 2 Spirit knowledge, 2SiMS will work with Elders and knowledge holders to digitally document 2S Creation Stories. Information on Indigenous methodologies of medicine harvesting and teachings about each medicine will be documented and posted online to share the knowledge. Access to medicines for 2SiMS staff, 2SiMS Board of Directors, Elder Council, Youth Council, kin organizations and other 2SiMS members will promote healing and help to prevent further harm within 2SLGBTQQIA+ communities.
With the supplement funding and extension provided in early 2026, 2SiMS will strengthen organizational capacity by developing various cultural leadership and healing practices for GBV prevention for application across its network to strengthen the capacity of the network to do this work. Activities include expanding prevention practices; protecting, documenting, and sharing of Indigenous knowledge safely; preserving and expanding 2-Spirit knowledge, storywork and education; and expanding the “Medizine” as a GBV prevention and healing resource. Through this, the project will further advance Gender Equality.
Program Purpose:
The purpose of ESSOGIE program is to advance social, political and economic equality with respect to sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.
Advancement towards a greater understanding of the intersection of sex and gender with other identity factors that include race, national and ethnic origin, Indigenous origin or identity, age, sexual orientation, socio-economic condition, place of residence and disability are encouraged under the Program.