2SLGBTQIA+ Inclusion
2SLGBTQIA+ is an acronym that stands for Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning, Intersex, Asexual, and additional sexual orientations and gender identities.
What does 2SLGBTQIA+ Inclusion mean?
2SLGBTQIA+ is an acronym that stands for Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning, Intersex, Asexual, and additional sexual orientations and gender identities.
2SLGBTQIA+ Inclusion is identifying and removing challenges by addressing the unique needs of 2SLGBTQIA+ people so they can fully participate in social, cultural, spiritual, and economic life along with everyone else in the Squamish Nation. This includes (not limited to) raising awareness, making changes to physical spaces, and adjusting how we interact with one another.
On this page:
About the Logo
“I have created this piece for the 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion initiative for the Squamish Nation. The work was done in collaboration with the Community Advisory Group (CAG) and together we ensured the piece would capture the essence and the intent of the initiative. It is a depiction of a Thunderbird with embracing wings which also take the shape of a heart. The image itself is sprawled across the 2SLGBTQIA+ flag.
The Thunderbird is the official emblem representing the Squamish Nation and the image itself, with the heart shaped wings are to represent that the love and care of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh ulh is love for all.
Our history tells us we were great stewards and protectors of our lands and our rights, but we were also very loving and caring people, we have many unifying phrases in our language such as “Nch’u7mut” – Together as one, one heart one mind, or “Chenchenstway” – Helping one another, uplifting one another, working together.
These morals are and should be upheld and spread across all communities in our nation by each and everyone of us we as Sḵwx̱wú7mesh people have always and should continue to live as one.” – Calvin Charlie-Dawson, Artist
2SLGBTQIA+ Inclusion Initiative Community Advisory Group
The call for three new members for the Community Advisory Group closed on Wednesday, April 3, 2024 at 9:00 am. Thank you to all who applied. We will reach out to you soon.
The 2SLGBTQIA+ Community Advisory Group (CAG) advises Council and staff on:
- Understanding the unique cultural, health, and social needs of the 2SLGBTQIA+ Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw
- Identifying and celebrating contributions by 2SLGBTQIA+ Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw
- Advocating for 2SLGBTQIA+ rights, and ensuring the needs of 2SLGBTQIA+ Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw and Squamish Nation staff are being met
- Engaging community members about sexual and gender diversity to make the Nation’s facilities, spaces, and events more inclusive, including single unit washrooms
- How often do CAG members meet, and where?
CAG members meet monthly in-person or online to ensure the maximum opportunity for participation of CAG members. Meetings are held in the Ayás Mén̓men (Child & Family Services) office (380 Welch Street, West Vancouver), or in another Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw office. Time commitment will be approximately two to four hours per month. - What are the duties and responsibilities of CAG members?
Members are expected to:
– Attend all meetings
– Come prepared for meetings
– Actively participate in discussions and agenda
– Follow through with commitments agreed to during meetings to the best of their ability
– Communicate with other CAG members between meetings as appropriate
– Adhere to the 2SLGBTQIA+ CAG Code of Conduct
– Consent for their name to be featured publicly as a member of the 2SLGBTQIA+ Community Advisory Group
– The Terms of Reference will be available to applicants for review before becoming a CAG member. - Will honorariums be provided?
Honorariums will be provided for attending meetings and events as a CAG member. - How can I get more information?
For further information or any specific inquiries, contact the Main Office at 604-980-4553 (please ask for the 2SLGBTQIA+ Inclusion Initiative) or email twospiritinclusion@squamish.net.
Members and community members were selected to represent different demographics including on- and off-reserve, various age groups, and people identifying as 2SLGBTQIA+ or allies.
- Tl’iyaktn Joseph Lizee, on-reserve, North Vancouver, Elder
- Victoria Michels, on-reserve, North Vancouver, Junior Elder
- Uxwáluút Jessica Natrall, on-reserve, North Vancouver, Adult
- Beatrix (Jo) Natraoro, on-reserve, North Vancouver, Youth
Project Progress
- Assessing spaces and facilities, including washrooms, to improve the experience of 2SLGBTQIA+ community members
- Holding regular Community Advisory Group meetings since November 2022
- Engaging community members at events including Squamish Nation Pride, Salmon Festival, and Squamish Nation open houses
- Worked with Calvin Charlie-Dawson to design a logo that captures the essence and the intent of the 2SLGBTQIA+ initiative
- Conducted a consultation process with an online survey (March 2023) and five in-person engagement sessions (June 2023) on gender and sexual diversity with the guidance of the
- Community Advisory Group members and support of TransFocus Consulting
- Obtained the community’s input on the icon to be used for the all-gender washroom signage
- Hosted a Nch’ú7mut (One Love) Blanketing Ceremony (March 2024)
- Invited community members to join the Community Advisory Group (Three positions in April 2024)
If you have any questions about this project, please email twospiritinclusion@squamish.net.
- Share key findings and recommendations issued from the survey and community engagement sessions with Council and community
- Continue to engage and raise awareness during events and gatherings
- Work with the Community Advisory Group, staff and community members to address challenges and needs of 2SLGBTQIA+ community members
If you have any questions about this project, please email twospiritinclusion@squamish.net.