Grant: Operating Grant: Indigenous Gender and Wellness - Knowledge Sharing

This project will bring urban Indigenous 2SLGBTQQIA+ youth, Knowledge Carriers, and Elders together in a multimedia knowledge-sharing activity. As part of OFIFC's Building Gender Diverse Communities research project, 2SLGBTQQIA+ Knowledge Carriers and Elders were invited to share teachings and stories from the Two-Spirit Movement, bringing their perspectives on wellbeing, gender expression, identity, and diverse sexualities. Rooted in Indigenous knowledge, these insights reflect the wisdom they wish to pass on to youth. Their video and audio responses will be compiled and shared with Two-Spirit youth from across Ontario, who will reflect on the teachings and create their own digital stories in response to what they learned. Knowledge Carriers and Elders will then be invited to a mini film festival where youth present their stories-creating an affirming gathering of people across the life cycles. This responds directly to requests from 2SLGBTQQIA+ youth in Friendship Centres for inclusive spaces to learn about cultural roles and responsibilities and to connect with Elders and Knowledge Carriers who share their lived experiences. The conversations, relationships, and creative products from this project will support ongoing OFIFC and Friendship Centre efforts to create more supportive and inclusive spaces for 2SLGBTQQIA+ people. This work contributes to cultural reclamation and life-promotion activities that support the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing of 2SLGBTQQIA+ people; upholds Indigenous notions of gender and sexuality; and builds skills and capacity for youth to tell and share their own stories. Guided by the OFIFC's USAI Research Framework, activities and outcomes will be immediately useful to community members, reflect community needs and priorities, be engaging and accessible, and celebrate the diversity of urban Indigenous people in Ontario.