Addressing Homophobia

Bemaadizijig Ganoonindwaa: Talking to People

NaWalka Geeshy Meegwun and Aaron Bowerman share ways to address homophobia through the use of inclusive language and policies, by ensuring that Two Spirit people are welcome at ceremony, and by supporting Two-Spirit youth.

This is the third of four podcasts that Bemaadizijig Ganoonindwaa has created in collaboration with members of the Anishinabek Nation’s Two-Spirit, Two-Heart, Indigenous Queer Nation Advisory Council exploring Two-Spirit themed topics: Two-Spirit Terminology; Two-Spirit Histories, Roles and Responsibilities; Homophobia; and Health.

NaWalka Geeshy Meegwun (Longfeather), also known as Lyndon George, is a member of the Chippewas of Kettle and Stony Point First Nation and lives in Hamilton. NaWalka Geeshy Meegwun identifies as Anishinaabe Ojokwe, one of many terms used by the Two-Spirit community. NaWalka Geeshy Meegwun works in the justice field and has worked with Indigenous people all of their life, both on and off-reserve.

Aaron Bowerman was born and raised in Sheguiandah First Nation on Manitoulin Island. Aaron identifies as an Anishinaabe Two-Spirit man. Aaron has worked in the Greater Toronto Area for over 10 years supporting various communities as a front-line harm reduction worker. Aaron is an Indigenous Research Associate with the City of Toronto.

For more information about the Anishinabek Nation’s Anishinabek Nation’s Two-Spirit, Two-Heart, Indigenous Queer Nation Advisory Council, contact: Barb Naveau, Special Projects Coordinator.

Anishinabek News: Anishinabek Nation welcomes new advisory council

This podcast is produced by the Communications Department at the Anishinabek Nation.

Music: “Brothers” by Wolf Saga and Chippewa Travellers, and “Where the Road Meets the Sky” by Justin Delorme, licensed by Nagamo Publishing.

Click here to download the transcript.