Mamatowisowin: Two-Spirit People and the Wonder Within

Event Description

Two-Spirit people are working to reclaim our rightful place within community and ceremonial circles. Part of this process includes acknowledging the gifts that Two-Spirit people carry and helping us to better understand our roles and responsibilities within those contexts. The cultural shift required to ensure Two-Spirit people grow up with a sense of belonging and purpose is not forging a new path, but rather returning to the traditions that kept our communities balanced and healthy. Participants will learn about the diversity of experience for those who identify as Two-Spirit and will better understand how Settler languages and interactions propagated the prejudice Two-Spirit people now experience in these lands now known as Canada. Please note that this event is open to all U of T students, staff, faculty and librarians.

Speaker

Benny Michaud (she/they/him) is a proud tasta-iiyinew (two-spirit/transgender), and a citizen of the Metis Nation. Originally from St. Boniface in Manitoba, they are an alumnus of Carleton University and were central to the creation of a separate Indigenous-focused department. In their current role as Director of the Centre for Indigenous Support and Community Engagement, they work with their team to ensure that Indigenous students have the academic, cultural, and spiritual support necessary to maintain their health and well-being. They also work with the broader Carleton community to create opportunities for learning and dialogue, and to enable the 41 calls to action included in Carleton’s Kinamagawin Strategy. Throughout their career, they have worked to support the needs of Indigenous youth in both the mental health and education sectors.

For any questions, please email sgdo@utoronto.ca.