Indigenous Pride: Honouring Two-Spirit Identity, Culture, and Community

June is widely recognized as Pride Month—a time to celebrate identity, resilience, and the ongoing fight for equality. Within Indigenous communities, Pride carries deeper, layered meanings rooted in culture, history, and the reclamation of identity.

At the heart of Indigenous Pride is the recognition and honouring of Two-Spirit people—a term used by many Indigenous communities to describe individuals who embody both masculine and feminine spirits. More than a modern identity label, Two-Spirit roles have long existed in many Nations, where individuals were respected as healers, leaders, caregivers, and knowledge keepers.

Understanding Two-Spirit Identity

The term “Two-Spirit” was reclaimed in 1990 to reflect traditional Indigenous understandings of gender and sexuality that existed long before colonial systems imposed binary views. It is important to recognize that:

- Two-Spirit is a cultural identity, not just a sexual orientation

- Each Nation has its own teachings, roles, and understandings

- Colonization disrupted and suppressed these identities through harmful policies and residential schools

- Reclaiming Two-Spirit identity is an act of cultural resurgence and resistance

Today, many Indigenous people are reconnecting with these teachings and creating space for future generations to live authentically and safely.

Clothing can be more than style—it can be a statement, a teaching tool, and a way to show solidarity. Pieces like your “Every Child Matters” shirts, land back designs, or our pride collection naturally align with Pride values—because they speak to justice, identity, and the right to exist fully and safely.

Why Indigenous Pride Matters

Mainstream Pride spaces have not always been inclusive of Indigenous voices. Indigenous Pride creates space to center culture, community, and lived experiences that are often overlooked. It is about:

- Honouring ancestors and traditional roles

- Supporting Two-Spirit and Indigiqueer youth

- Raising awareness of ongoing discrimination and violence

- Celebrating identity through culture, language, and art

Indigenous Pride is both celebration and resistance—a reminder that these identities have always existed and continue to thrive.

Wearing Your Values: Pride Through Apparel

Clothing can be more than style—it can be a statement, a teaching tool, and a way to show solidarity.

At Sahdeh Spruce, many designs are created with intention—blending Indigenous identity, social justice, and visibility. During Pride Month, pieces that incorporate messages of strength, culture, and resistance can also serve as a way to uplift Two-Spirit and Indigenous LGBTQ2S+ voices.

Whether it’s bold graphics, culturally grounded designs, or statements that spark conversation, wearing Indigenous-created apparel helps:

- Amplify awareness in everyday spaces

- Support Indigenous-owned businesses

- Encourage meaningful dialogue about identity and justice

When you choose what you wear, you are also choosing what you stand for.

Supporting Two-Spirit Communities

Beyond visibility, meaningful support includes action:

- Listen to Two-Spirit voices and creators

- Support Indigenous LGBTQ2S+ organizations and initiatives

- Educate yourself and your community

- Create safe, inclusive spaces both online and offline

Every step toward awareness and respect helps build stronger, more inclusive communities.

Moving Forward with Pride

Indigenous Pride is rooted in truth, resilience, and cultural strength. It is a celebration of identity that has survived despite generations of erasure.

This Pride Month, take time to honour Two-Spirit people—not just through words, but through action, learning, and support.

Because Pride, at its core, is about being seen, being valued, and being free to exist as you are.