This week on Minnesota Native News, we touch on Two-Spirit Identity within Native Communities and the upcoming Two-Spirit Powwow to be held in Minneapolis. Reporter Chandra Colvin has more on the story.
Chandra Colvin: Historically, the term “Two-Spirit” refers to a person who embodies both masculine and feminine spirits. It has since become a modern pan-Indigenous umbrella term that encompasses a range of identities within the LGBTQ+ community.
June is officially recognized as Pride Month, a celebration of many identities across the spectrums of gender and sexuality. Although the month ends and moves into the rest of summer, the concept of pride continues to be a cause of celebration all year round. Two-Spirit relatives and allies will have a chance to gather for a powwow this month in July.
The powwow is organized by Twin Cities’ New Native Theatre, which was created by Rhiana Yazzie. The company aims to bring stories of Indigenous communities to the stage with Indigenous playwrights and actors and has been active since 2009.
This will be the company’s third Two-Spirit powwow. Charli Fool Bear is the Senior Artistic Producer at New Native Theatre and uses she/they pronouns. Fool Bear identifies as Two-Spirit and is a Yanktonai Dakota from Standing Rock. She says that the Minnesota Two-Spirit Society approached New Native Theatre three years ago about wanting to hold a powwow but not having enough resources. New Native Theatre was glad to provide needed for the two-spirit community.
Fool Bear: We decided to incorporate it into our programming as a mainstage production, we call it in theater. So we prioritize it the same way we prioritize a big play. And it gets the same kind of funding, same kind of bandwidth. And it’s our way of continuing to connect to the community and connecting theater and culture in a way that makes sense.
Colvin: Fool Bear shares more on why New Native Theatre began and continues to host the powwow.
Fool Bear: A huge consequence of colonization has been the erasure of more complex identities outside the binary. And as a result, a lot of Native communities, unfortunately, harbor a lot of homophobia, transphobia. In many ways, Two-Spirit folks don’t feel welcome in some cultural spaces because of the effects of colonization.
And so being able to provide a space that it’s not ceremonial, you know, it’s a powwow, it’s social, but it’s fun, and it’s connected to our culture, and it’s pure positivity and celebration. It’s a way to give people the opportunity to participate in culture in a way they might not have been able to, or have felt safe enough to.
Colvin: She emphasizes that the powwow will also be secured by Sequeerity. This Minneapolis based de-escalation team serves the queer community that has worked with New Native Theatre for last year’s powwow.
Fool Bear: We’re making it as safe as we possibly can, so that people feel welcome to participate in the dances they want, to wear the regalia they want. And to be in community with each other and be able to be native and queer at the same time.
Colvin: The powwow has been growing since its first year. Fool Bear says it was estimated that over 400 people attended last year’s, and the number is expected to rise again this year. The planning committee says that 20 vendors have already registered to attend, and activities and games are planned for the whole family. Much planning goes into putting together a powwow.
Fool Bear: We start with talking about the vision we have for the powwow, what are things we want to see? What are some dreams? For the past couple years, we keep having big ideas, and we’re working up to them, you know, different kinds of performances on different days. But for now, when we’re planning the one day powwow, we’re thinking about, how can we serve the elders? How are we going to feed people? How do we make sure people stay cool? Just trying to make sure that it’s totally like, as comfortable as a powwow can be.
Colvin: The powwow is open to everyone, Fool Bear says, even if one is unfamiliar with what Two-Spirit is.
Fool Bear: As long as you have a good heart and an open heart like we want you there to celebrate in this like safe, sober space.
Colvin: New Native Theatre’s Two-Spirit Powwow will be held on Saturday, July 13th at South High School in Minneapolis. More information can be found at newnativetheatre.org.
For Minnesota Native News, I’m Chandra Colvin.
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