Indigenous Acknowledgement
Recognising and honoring the traditional custodians of the land
Our Commitment to Indigenous Recognition
WestPride Archives recognises the diverse Aboriginal communities who are custodians over the lands upon which we live. We appreciate the histories and identities of Aboriginal LGBTIQA+ people that existed prior to colonisation and acknowledge the impact this ongoing process has had on Indigenous/Queer communities across the continent. We celebrate the peoples and communities who extend our stories back into the deep histories of this continent, and with whom we, with pride, share a common future, and acknowledge the inspiration and work of the original Gay and Lesbian Archives of Western Australia (GALAWA) established in 1998 and to whom WestPride Archives is the successor.Our Approach
At WestPride Archives, we recognise that:
- Indigenous Peoples have ongoing rights and relationships to the land we occupy
- Colonization is not a historical event but an ongoing process with contemporary consequences
- LGBTQ+ advocacy must include recognition of Two-Spirit and Indigenous LGBTQ+ experiences
- Cultural archives have a responsibility to support Indigenous cultural sovereignty and knowledge systems
Our Actions
Our commitment to Indigenous recognition includes:
- Prioritizing Indigenous voices in our collections and programming
- Supporting Indigenous-led initiatives related to Two-Spirit and LGBTQ+ history
- Implementing culturally appropriate protocols for handling Indigenous materials in our archives
- Providing space for Indigenous community gatherings
- Contributing financially to Indigenous organizations
- Ongoing education for our staff, board, and volunteers about Indigenous histories and contemporary issues
Resources for Learning
We encourage our community to deepen their understanding through these resources:
- Native Land Digital - Interactive map of Indigenous territories
- Local Tribal Nations - Official websites of local tribal governments
- Indigenous History of the Pacific Northwest - Educational resources
- Two-Spirit Resource Center - Information about Two-Spirit identities and experiences
We welcome feedback on our acknowledgement and actions. Please contact us with your suggestions.
Two-Spirit & Indigenous LGBTQ+ Resources
Two-Spirit Identity
Two-Spirit is a modern, pan-Indigenous term used by some Indigenous North Americans to describe Native people who fulfill a traditional third-gender ceremonial and social role in their cultures. The term was created in 1990 at the Indigenous Lesbian and Gay International Gathering in Winnipeg.
It's important to note that Two-Spirit is specifically an Indigenous term and concept, with particular cultural contexts and histories. Non-Indigenous people should respect this specificity and not appropriate the term.
Historical Context
Many Indigenous cultures historically recognized and respected gender diversity, with specific roles and terms that varied across different nations and tribes. These traditional understandings were often targeted by colonial policies and missionary activities.
The reclamation of Two-Spirit identities and roles represents resistance to colonization and a reconnection with traditional Indigenous values that honored gender and sexual diversity.
Organizations
- Indigenous Rainbow Council - Supporting Two-Spirit and Indigenous LGBTQ+ people in the Pacific Northwest
- Two-Spirit Alliance - National advocacy organization
- Native Youth Alliance - Supporting Indigenous LGBTQ+ youth
Collections at WestPride
Our archive includes materials documenting Two-Spirit and Indigenous LGBTQ+ experiences, collected with permission and following culturally appropriate protocols. These collections include:
- Oral histories from Two-Spirit elders
- Documentation of contemporary Two-Spirit gatherings
- Publications by Indigenous LGBTQ+ authors
- Records of collaborations between Indigenous and non-Indigenous LGBTQ+ organizations
Upcoming Indigenous LGBTQ+ Events
Indigenous Storytelling Circle
Location: Community Gardens
A collaborative event featuring Two-Spirit storytellers sharing traditional narratives and contemporary experiences.
More InfoIndigenous LGBTQ+ Film Screening
Location: Community Cinema
Showcasing short films and documentaries created by Indigenous LGBTQ+ filmmakers, followed by director Q&A.
More Info