* This presentation was originally recorded in English. Closed captioning is available in both English and French.
In this conversation, we will discuss the importance of supporting the health and wellbeing of Indigenous Queer, Trans and Two Spirit peoples, and the intersections of community, identity, and advocacy. In particular, we want to draw attention to the conversations that Indigenous queer, trans and Two Spirit folks want to have about their experiences with health and healthcare, and as well as the changes, both locally and systemically, that are needed to support wellbeing. In particular, this conversation will highlight community-based partnerships and youth-engaged research on the health and wellbeing of Indigenous Queer, Trans and Two Spirit peoples.
Marie Laing is a queer Kanyen'kehá:ka scholar of mixed Haudenosaunee and Irish/Scottish/South African settler ancestry. Her family comes from Six Nations of the Grand River, and she belongs to the turtle clan. Marie holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Sexual Diversity Studies from the University of Toronto and a Master of Arts in Social Justice Education from the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education. She currently works as a writer, researcher and educator in various capacities, and she is a youth leader with the Native Youth Sexual Health Network.
Tunchai Redvers [she/they] is a Dene/Métis two-spirit social justice warrior, writer, creator, performer and facilitator from Treaty 8 territory, NWT. She holds a BA in International Development Studies with specializations in Gender & Development and Global Citizenship, as well as a Master of Indigenous Social Work from Wilfrid Laurier University. Recognized nationally and internationally for her work and advocacy, she is the co-founder of We Matter, a national organization dedicated to Indigenous youth hope and life promotion. Her debut collection of poetry, Fireweed, was published in 2019 with Kegedonce Press, with her writing aiming to decolonize and indigenize identity, mental health and healing. She has spent considerable time living, travelling, speaking, and working with Indigenous communities internationally and across Canada, and considers herself a nomad just like her ancestors.
Moderator: Dr. Jeffrey Ansloos is an Assistant Professor in Indigenous Health and Social Policy and the Canada Research Chair in Critical Studies in Indigenous Health and Social Action on Suicide at the University of Toronto. He is also the Chair of the Indigenous Education Network at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education. He is a queer Cree psychologist of mixed Cree and English ancestry. His family comes from Fisher River Cree Nation.
