2SLGBTQQIA+ individuals
Les Femmes Michif Otipemisiwak has amplified and uplifted the voices of 2SLGBTQQIA+ kin by working to address gender- and orientation-based violence, promoting cultural healing, and creating inclusive spaces for youth, survivors, and those living in marginalized communities while exploring the historical impacts of systemic disparities in education, justice, healthcare, and housing.
Strategic Priorities
The Métis 2SLGBTQQIA+ Strategic Plan (2024-2026), developed by LFMO’s Métis 2SLGBTQQIA+ Advisory Committee (“Mawiiyahk Nakatikashoo” – No One Left Behind), provides a framework focused on empowering Métis 2SLGBTQQIA+ kin by addressing gender- and orientation-based violence, promoting cultural healing, and creating safer, inclusive spaces that honour their diverse identities and experiences, while acknowledging the historical impact of systemic disparities in education, justice, healthcare, and housing.
The plan focuses on supporting Métis 2SLGBTQQIA+ individuals, including youth, survivors of gender- and orientation-based violence and historical harms, and those in rural or marginalized communities. It emphasizes cultural safety, inclusion, and healing, while ensuring that Métis 2SLGBTQQIA+ voices shape policies and services to address their unique needs.
The plan aims to support the safety and autonomy of Indigenous and Two-Spirit people, empowering them to declare whether or not they feel safe or welcome in a particular space by using trauma-informed language and a careful vetting process to identify safe and culturally appropriate spaces.
It aims to promote the positive impact Two-Spirit Métis 2SLGBTQQIA+ have in their communities and nations, encouraging Two-Spirit and Métis 2SLGBTQQIA+ to embrace their vibrant, healthy, inclusive, and beautiful culture.
The plan fosters Métis 2SLGBTQQIA+ engagement through consultations, gatherings, and mentorship, while promoting cultural connection, exploring the roles of Two Spirit and LGBTQQIA+ individuals, and understanding their historical ties to the community before colonization.
The plan aims to create lasting connections and opportunities for Métis 2SLGBTQQIA+ individuals, including youth and future generations, through conferences, cultural experiences, and support for those impacted by gender- and orientation-based violence, while ensuring improved access to culturally safe and affirming justice, healthcare, and housing services.
The plan aims to highlight the unique gifts and medicines carried by Two-Spirit individuals, upholding their right to ceremonial spaces, and supporting access to these spaces for Métis 2SLGBTQQIA+ people, while establishing networks of Elders and leaders to foster safety, inclusion, and cultural guidance for present and future generations.
It emphasizes trauma-informed approaches and traditional Métis teachings to support healing and resilience for those affected by gender- and orientation-based violence, historical trauma, marginalization, and barriers to wellness, including youth, seniors, individuals in rural areas, and those with disabilities.
