Before colonization, Two Spirit people were held in high regards. Originating from the Ojibwe words, “niizh manitoag” (two spirits), Two Spirit people have been respected as fundamental components of ancient teachings, cultures and traditions within tribal communities across Indian Country since the beginning of time. 

The phrase Two Spirit is believed to have originated in 1990 in Winnipeg, Canada, during the third annual Native American/First Nations Gay and Lesbian Conference. It was chosen to distinguish Indigenous/First-Nation peoples from non-Natives as today’s societal standards are rooted in colonization and look down upon feminine males/masculine females. 

The term continues to be reclaimed by Indigenous people across Turtle Island. Honoring and embracing the words Two Spirit and its people is an act of decolonization. 

Another way is through celebrations like powwows. 

On February 22, the concepts converged as the Phoenix Indian Center held its fourth-annual Two Spirit Powwow on the campus of South Mountain Community College. Officially the oldest Indian center in the United States, Jolyaya Begay-Kroupa, its chief executive officer, welcomed guests and families to the powwow. The event brought together many individuals, committees, local colleges, pageant royalty, businesses and food vendor booths throughout the Phoenix Valley and Indian Country. 

“We’re so happy to be in partnership with our relatives, community organizers and supporters who are passionate and want to be allies to our LGBTQIA2 community,” she stated. “From an Indigenous lens, we are all relatives, it’s important we support each other all the time,” she finished as she bid farewell in her Navajo language. 

Following the welcoming, Travis May, an academic dean for South Mountain Community College, thanked everyone in attendance and stated how proud he was that the college was able to host the event. “Our staff worked really hard to get everything setup, we really appreciate the collaboration,” he said. May also gave his appreciation to the college’s American Indian Student Center for assisting with the event. 

This year’s head staff for the powwow included: 

• Co-Chair: Navi Ho
• Founder: Sheila Lopez
• Arena Director: Buffalo Barbie
• Head Elder Dancer: Trudie Jackson
• Head Dancer: River Webb
• Head Dancer: Mylyle Ethelbah
• Head Drums 1: Maswadae (Northern)
• Head Drums 2: Heartland Express (Southern)
• Co-Emcee: Ryan Miguel
• Co-Emcee: Landa Lakes

“I am a mom, I have three children and in 2009 my two oldest came out as gay when they were in high school and I had no understanding of the community,” said Sheila Lopez, founder of the Two Spirit Powwow. “When I found out, I wasn’t welcoming. I didn’t understand, I had lots of questions and was confused. This hurt my children. My children were ready to educate me on how they felt, and how they feel in their hearts,” she said. “I am so grateful for my children; they brought me to this beautiful community.”

With her newfound perspective on life thanks to her children, Lopez created a chapter for Native PFlag in 2010. The national non-profit is the nation’s largest organization dedicated to supporting, educating, and advocating for LGBTQIA2+ people and those who love them. 

“There was no Native American-focused chapters,” said Lopez to the audience. “I’m filled with so much emotion to see we have created a safe space for everyone. You are safe, you’re in a good space, you’re a part of our community and we love you.”  

Representing the Tohono O’odham Nation, Dwight Francisco introduced himself in O’odham and then English. He was given an opportunity to share a few words regarding the importance of a united community. “I said in my language, how happy I am to be here,” he began. “To be able to come here and celebrate this way of life we get to live, it’s a beautiful experience. I want to acknowledge the land we stand on; I want to acknowledge the Akimel and Piipaash too,” he said. “None of us would be here without our Huhugam canal system. When we talk about celebrating this way of life, it takes water of life to allow us to live.” 

After introductions, Troy Truax, a representative from the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community Veterans Department, and other veterans led the Presentation of Colors, which included the Salt River flag. 

Later, the powwow opened the grounds for dance contests for all ages, which included tiny tots, juniors, teens, adults, and a Two Spirit special. 

For information on next year’s powwow, interested individuals can contact Katie Morales, Phoenix Indian Center grant development officer, by calling (602) 264-6768 or by emailing kmorales@phxindiancenter.org for more information.