Library and Academic Services: Gender Studies for Health Professionals: Indigenous Health

Webpages, media, and other resources

2-Spirited People of the 1st Nations
2-Spirit people were often the visionaries, the healers and the medicine people, respected as fundamental components of our ancient culture and societies. This is our guiding force as well as our source of strength. This is the heart of 2-Spirited People of the First Nations.
2SLGBTQQIA (The Native Women’s Association of Canada (NWAC))
A collection of links to resources and publications on 2SLGBTQQIA
2SLGBTQQIA Fact Sheet (NWAC)
A breakdown of terminology
2Spirit Manitoba Inc.
2Spirit Manitoba is an organization that seeks to improve the quality of life of 2Spirit (Indigenous LGBTQQIA+ People).
2SpiritYouth
2SiMS launched 2SpiritYouth.ca in November 2021 with the support of it’s funding partner ‘Indigenous Services Canada’ accompanied by the mandate to produce a digital space that shares the ‘Good News’ for and by 2 Spirit / Indigiqueer / LGBTQIAA+ Indigenous Youth across colonially defined ‘Canada’.
Two-spirit and LGBTQ indigenous health.
While the health disparities between Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit, and Métis) people in what is now known as Canada and their non-Indigenous peers are well documented, little research exists on the unique health needs of sexual and gender minority individuals who identify as Indigenous
Two-Spirit Archives (University of Winnipeg)
This archive highlights the history of Two-Spirit people in Manitoba and the rest of North America. The collection consists of newspaper articles, photographs, poetry, correspondences and more. This archive is believed to be one of the comprehensive collections in Canada. Their online collection that is free to browse.
Two-Spirit Michif Local
The Two-Spirit Michif Local is the first of its kind in the Métis Nation. We’re a home for 2SLGBTQ+ Métis citizens looking for belonging, for family and friends, for support and a safe space.
Two Spirit People of the First Nations (Rainbow Resource Centre)
A brochure published by the Rainbow Resource Centre outlining the origin and tradition of the Two Spirit People.
Two Spirits, One Voice (Egale)
Two Spirits, One Voice is an initiative that seeks to bolster support for persons that identify both as LGBTQI and Indigenous –Two Spirit people. This video, funded through both theTegan and Sara Foundation and Laidlaw Foundation, attempts to educate the general public on the history and barriers that impact Two Spirit people in Canada.
Native Youth Sexual Health Network - You are made of medicine
A Mental Health Peer Support Manual for Indigiqueer, Two-Spirit, LGBTQ+, and Gender Non-Conforming Indigenous youth
International Day of Pink Honouring the 35 Anniversary of the Word Two-Spirit
2025 marks the 35th anniversary of the coining of the term "Two-Spirit" at the 3rd Annual Intertribal Native American, First Nations, Gay and Lesbian American Conference in Winnipeg, 1990.

BESE Explains: Two Spirit

The term "Two Spirit" became official in 1990, to describe Native American people who are believed to be blessed with both male and female spirits. But the concept of gender fluidity has existed in Native culture for centuries. In this episode of BESE Explains, Paola Ramos tells us how a group that was once celebrated by its community has had to fight to keep itself from being erased.

Re-Emergence (Two-Spirit documentary/Documentaire bispirituel)

Two-Spirit is not only a term of identity but also of cultural reclamation. It represents a restoration of traditional roles and spiritual teachings that colonialism sought to suppress through homophobic and transphobic policies. Recognizing and honoring Two-Spirit people is essential in the broader journey towards truth, reconciliation, and healing for Indigenous communities. Learn more the Two-Spirit community from this documentary, our curriculum tool kit, Two-Spirit Pride flag, and more at: DayOfPink.org

APTN News - Two-Spirit pride flag unveiled in Winnipeg to mark anniversary

In 1990, Elder Myra Laramee introduced the term Two-Spirit at the Third Annual Intertribal Native American/First Nations Gay and Lesbian American Conference in Winnipeg.
It comes from the Anishinaabemowin term niizh manidoowag, describing a person with both masculine and feminine characteristics.
It helped Elder Charlotte Nolin understand who she was.

Missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls in Canada (MMIWG)

Brant, J. (2020, July 8). Missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls in Canada. The Canadian Encyclopedia.
Missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls in Canada (MMIWG) refers to a human rights crisis that has only recently become a topic of discussion within national media. Indigenous women and communities, women’s groups and international organizations have long called for action into the high and disproportionate rates of violence and the appalling numbers of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls in Canada....
We are more than murdered and missing. | Tamara Bernard | TEDxThunderBay
With a talk that encourages hope, love, empowerment and igniting a new way of learning together as a nation, Tamara lays bare the world of violence impacting indigenous women. ...
Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women and Girls (Library guide)
"We will find the truth by gathering many stories from many people."
This guide is to assist you in locating resources about MMIWG in Canada. Here you will find links to books, ebooks, journals, databases, videos, websites and more about the women.

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Indigenous Health & Well-Being (Guide)
This guide is to assist you in researching topics related to Indigenous health. Here you will find links to books, ebooks, journals, databases, websites, and more.