AUNDECK OMNI KANING—The first weekend in May brought the fifth annual 2SLGBTQ+ Wellness Conference to the 4 Directions Complex in Aundeck Omni Kaning. The conference got a lively start on Friday evening, May 2, with Queer Music Bingo at 6:30 followed by an all-ages dance.
In his opening remarks on Saturday morning, Mnaamodzawin Health Services Executive Director Craig Abotossaway said, “If you weren’t here last night, there were two little girls who stole the show at the dance.” Those who had been there laughed and clapped at the memory. Following his opening prayer and song, Mr. Abotossaway remarked, “It would have been a pretty quiet bingo if Bobby hadn’t been up on the stage last night.” Bobby Hudon was the Master of Ceremonies for both Friday evening and all-day Saturday, keeping things lively and keeping everyone laughing and moving in between speakers.
The first speaker, Ozhawa Anung Kwe, aka Teddy Syrette (they/them), talked about their life. As a public speaker, event organizer, community developer, artist and drag queen, there was much to say in that regard. Ozhawa’s talk was fast paced with lots of humour thrown in, but much history too. “My mother always said I’d either be a cop or a social worker, because I asked so many questions as a kid.” Ozhawa is now the founder and sole proprietor of 2Spirit Anishinabe Storytelling and Advocacy and a founding member of the 2Spirit Organizing Committee of Bawating.
Ozhawa explained, “The term 2Spirit was gifted to the community in 1990, gifted to an Anishinaabe Lesbian Knowledge keeper, Myra Laramee. She shared this teaching at a gathering of LGBTQ First Nation, Metis and Native Americans.” The term was coined to deliberately distance the Indigenous people from non-Native gay and lesbian people. Ozhawa went on to say, “As a non-Indigenous person, the 2Spirit term is not for you. The 2Spirit term is a cultural term for indigenous people of North America only.” The use of 2Spirit by non-Indigenous people is cultural appropriation, “and it’s not appropriate,” said Ozhawa. “But educating is more important than reacting. That’s what I like to do as a helper, educate.” Ozhawa not only entertained with their talk, but also educated – directed at the individual, but also the organization, with historical facts, statistics and personal stories about advocating for the 2Spirit community.
The knowledge keeper panel that followed, consisted of three couples, all relatively new to Manitoulin Island, and one Indigenous individual from Wiikwemkoong. Ken Lander, mental health clinician at Mnaamodzawin, monitored the panel and asked the questions. When asked ‘what are the challenges,’ the unanimous response from the couples was, ‘very few.’ They were surprised at how warm and welcoming the communities are here. The one person originally from the Island had a different opinion. Working for Indigenous Affairs in Toronto, his perspective was quite different. He spoke of poverty and homelessness and the ongoing struggle that people of privilege do not experience, but those in his community deal with daily.
Lunch, provided by Saucy Signoras, with music by Nettish Annette Smith, gave everyone an opportunity to connect with friends, meet new ones, talk, laugh and simply enjoy the safe space provided.
The three organizations in attendance provided brief outlines of who they are and the work they do. SQUAD – Sudbury Queers United Around Diversity is Paul Pasanen’s passion. He’s an educator, social worker and 2SLGBTQ+ activist and he works to build a strong, unified 2SLGBTQ+ community network across Sudbury/Manitoulin by working with multiple organizations. Leslie Tipper of Mnaamodzawin Health Services talked about the work her team does in the community, bringing appropriate health, education and social services to the 2SLGBTQ+ community. And Réseau ACCESS Network, a non-profit community-based organization in Sudbury is committed to wellness, harm and risk reduction and education, providing a comprehensive, holistic approach to HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis C and related health issues.
Finally, it was time for the afternoon’s keynote speaker – Jaylene Tyme. Her presentation began with an eight-minute video, one that led to her participation on the Canadian Drag Race TV show. She too peppered her talk with history, statistics and personal experience. As a ‘60s scoop survivor, “I call myself a stigma buster, and a surviver,” Ms. Tyme said. She feels the work she does is medicine for people. “To allow people to take ownership of the power that is rightfully theirs and all of ours. We’re able to be warriors.…With generational trauma, you also receive generational strength.” Ms. Tyme shared her story in a way that had everyone riveted. Her message was to be authentic. “The power inside of you, is to be you,” and she spends a good deal of her time committed to celebrating the unique identities of others. “I like helping people tell their stories.” Her message was a powerful one of strength and determination – from being a part of the street community, and the addictions she fell into, to being 27 years sober and committed to helping others see the beauty of individuality. Her message was well received.
The full day wrapped up soon after, with prize draws, closing remarks and a closing song from Mr. Abotossaway. But the energy in the room reverberated with the positivity, inclusivity and connectedness felt by all in attendance. Kudos to Mnaamodzawin Health Services Inc. for another successful 2SLGBTQ+ Wellness Conference.
by Margery Frisch
