Each month, we profile someone connected to CBRC, featuring them in The Update, our monthly newsletter. Check out the March 2025 newsletter here.
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Jordan Angeconeb (they/them) is the founder of Ever Sick! Arts and an advocate for Indigenous 2SLGBTQIA+ rights. They also serve as the Director of Youth Services and Community Recreation for Lac Seul First Nation. A proud Caribou Clan member of Treaty 3, they are dedicated to increasing visibility and opportunities for Two-Spirit people across Northwestern Ontario. As the founder of Ever Sick!, a an event planning and production company, Jordan made history by bringing drag performances and Two-Spirit celebrations to reserve lands in Ontario.
“I had a vision to bring Two-Spirit and Indigenous LGBTQQIA+ Celebration and Awareness Day to reserve land and raise our flag—and I made that vision a reality. Last year, Chief and Council officially recognized the day. Together, we created spaces in Lac Seul that have historically been unavailable to Two-Spirit people, offering our community members a true sense of belonging.”
Jordan’s path to activism wasn’t without challenges. Growing up, they faced struggles with homelessness and addiction, often feeling isolated while navigating life as a queer, Indigenous person in Canada. Then came the pandemic. Living in Ottawa during lockdown, Jordan spent much of their time confined to a studio apartment. “I had nothing else to do other than to practice makeup. So, I spent many months putting makeup on my face and then taking it off.”
After the death of their brother, Jordan felt like they had been delivered a wakeup call. “It was like, ‘Hey, you need to stop drinking and partying because you’re not getting anywhere with that. You need to move forward.’ I didn’t want to become another statistic.”
It was at that point Jordan decided to make changes. Inspired by Teddy Syrette’s activism in Sault Ste. Marie, Jordan teamed up with them to pitch an all-Indigenous drag show at Batchewana First Nation in August 2022. “We knew we were creating something historic. We were bringing together queer, Indigenous artists in Ontario who, in the past, had little to no space to gather or to express themselves in drag within a solely dedicated Indigenous space. We made that happen.”
The event sparked a movement, encouraging more Indigenous drag artists to produce their own shows. “It showed that there was a community of queer, Indigenous people who had talent to showcase… We were typically forgotten about in Northern Ontario. We had to go out there and create opportunities for ourselves.”
Jordan is proud to see how the movement has grown, with Indigenous drag performers now booking shows across Ontario. Looking ahead, they’re preparing for the next Two-Spirit Celebration Day in Lac Seul First Nation, set to coincide with the spring equinox.
“For 2025, we’re all set to go. Grand Council Treaty 3 is offering their full support this year. We’ll be hosting two full days of events, starting with a flag-raising ceremony followed by a tea and bannock social. I’ll be facilitating a workshop on diversity and inclusion in the workplace and tourism. We’re also excited to have Chelazon Leroux from Canada’s Drag Race joining us to perform and lead a workshop on mental health and intergenerational trauma. And, of course, there will be bingo for the community!”
While proud of their accomplishments, accepting praise isn’t something Jordan is used to. “It’s not part of our seven teachings. I know my work is making a difference—it’s saving lives and changing lives—but I don’t need to be all over social media for validation. I know my worth now.”
Photo: Jordan Angeconeb
