History and Legacy
Two-Spirit people have always been part of Indigenous nations, with roles, responsibilities, and teachings passed down through oral histories, ceremony, and art. Before colonization, Two-Spirit kin were healers, mediators, knowledge keepers, and balance-keepers. Their gifts were seen as sacred and necessary for community wellbeing.
Colonization sought to erase these teachings. Missionaries, residential schools, and discriminatory laws worked to suppress Two-Spirit identity, while homophobia and transphobia were introduced through colonial systems. Yet stories of Two-Spirit presence and power survived through songs, ceremonies, and resilience.
From the 1970s, Two-Spirit kin began to openly gather, share voices, and organize. A turning point came in 1990 at the Winnipeg conference, where the term “Two-Spirit” was created as a way to honour diverse teachings while building unity. Today, resurgence is strong, with leaders reclaiming responsibilities, revitalizing ceremonies, and advancing movements for sovereignty and justice.
Founded in 2009, W2SA emerged after years of dialogue and recognition of the need for dedicated space for Two-Spirit kin. The first regional gatherings in 2011 brought together Elders, youth, and community for knowledge sharing and ceremony.
In 2023, W2SA hosted the 36th International Two-Spirit Gathering in Elsipogtog First Nation, welcoming kin from across Turtle Island. Today, W2SA continues to grow as a cultural and advocacy organization, focused on healing, leadership, and celebration of Two-Spirit identities across Wabanaki territory.