Squamish Nation 2SLGBTQIA+ Inclusion
Project Progress
What we have been doing
- The Community Advisory Group held their first meeting in November 2022 and will continue to meet regularly.
- Working on creating an inclusion community survey. It will be open to all Members and gather community input to improve inclusion of 2SLGBTQIA+ people in the Squamish Nation.
- Engaging community members at events including Squamish Nation Pride, Salmon Festival, and Squamish Nation Open Houses.
- Launched the community survey (March 2023)
- Hold community engagement sessions in June 2023 (see details below)
What we will do next
- Share results from the survey and community engagement with Council and community
If you have any questions about the 2SLGBTQIA+ Inclusion Initiative Community Advisory Working Group, please email twospiritinclusion@squamish.net.
Inclusion Initiative Community Engagement Sessions
All community members are invited to learn and talk about 2SLGBTQIA+ issues in the Nation. During the sessions, we will learn about what 2SLGBTQIA+ means, challenges that 2SLGBTQIA+ Members face, and share ideas about how to create more empathy and support in our community. Meals will be served at all in-person sessions.
UPCOMING SESSIONS:
Elders Discussion, Totem Hall
Friday, June 2 | 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Elders Discussion, North Vancouver Elders Center
Tuesday, June 6 | 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Online Session for 2SLGBTQIA+ Members (register here)
Thursday, June 8 | 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Community Engagement, CJMC (open to all)
Thursday, June 15 | 5:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Community Engagement, Totem Hall (open to all)
Thursday, June 22 | 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Who can attend? All Nation Members and community members. You do not need to be or know someone 2SLGBTQIA+ or about the issues to participate.
Based on privacy needs, 2SLGBTQIA+ Members can choose between:
An in-person session with other Members who are not 2SLGBTQIA (no need to share about identities and experiences), or join the online session that is only for 2SLGBTQIA+ Members on June 8 at 6:00 pm. Register here for the online session.
2SLGBTQIA+ Inclusion Initiative Survey
Members and community members are invited to complete a 2SLGBTQIA+ Inclusion Initiative survey. It’s anonymous and open to individuals 18 years and older. The survey will gather community input to improve inclusion of 2SLGBTQIA+ people in the Squamish Nation.
If you have any questions or would like assistance with completing the survey, contact twospiritinclusion@squamish.net.
The survey deadline has been extended until the end of June. Please note, there was a prize draw at the end of April and winners have been notified.
About the Community Advisory Group
The 2SLGBTQIA+ Inclusion Initiative Community Advisory Working Group (Community Advisory Group) is comprised of volunteers who wish to contribute their leadership, expertise, and advice to Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw.
The Community Advisory Group is advisory in nature and will assist in providing advice regarding:
- The unique cultural, health, and social needs of 2SLGBTQIA+ Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw.
- Engaging the community about sexual and gender diversity to make the Nation’s facilities, spaces, and events more inclusive, including single unit washrooms.
- Identifying and celebrating contributions by 2SLGBTQIA+ Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw.
- Advocating for 2SLGBTQIA+ rights, and to assist in ensuring the needs of 2SLGBTQIA+ Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw and Nation staff are being met.
Community Advisory Group Members
Huy chexw a (thank you) to those Members who expressed interest in joining the 2SLGBTQIA+ Inclusion Initiative Community Advisory Working Group (Community Advisory Group). We had an overwhelming response in October 2022 from many great candidates. We hope that you will participate in future community engagement events and initiatives.
Seven 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.
Sabrina Hemeon, Off-reserve, Abbotsford, Youth
Victoria Michels, On-reserve, North Vancouver, Junior Elder
Jo Natrall, On-reserve, North Vancouver, Youth
K. Charmaine Thomas (Joseph)
It is an honour to serve on the 2SLGBTQIA+ Community Action Group (CAG). I've been working in the Health Services field since 1994 with my most recent role being Manager of Community Health & Wellness for Squamish Nation. I am a proud ally and am passionate about supporting positive change in our community. I've been actively involved in 2-Spirit events since the Blanketing event my team hosted in 2017. Pride events and activities continue to grow and build on the values of unity, equality and love - Nch'ú7mut. I raise my hands to Council for thier support, the hard working staff, volunteers who have lovingly given their time and service to ensure you all have a fabulous time at our Nation's Pride events.
Tl'iyaktn Joseph Lizee
Uxwáluút Jessica Natrall
My name is Uxwáluút, my English name is Jessica Natrall. My parents are Joanne Natrall (her parents: Mildred (Antone) & Norman Natrall Sr. of Squamish Nation) and late Raymond Baum (Joe) (his parents: Florance (Baum) & Tommy Joe of Selkirk First Nation, Pelly Crossing, Yukon).
I am a mom of four children, Jo Natrall (20), Joaquin Natrall (15), Jayden Natrall (8) and Chasity Stevens (20). We reside on Mission reserve.
I have recently completed my Family and Community Counselling Diploma (Basic counselling, Child welfare, Addictions and Justice) at Native Education College in June 2022. In March 2022, I completed my Gladue Report Writer program through Indigenous Perspectives Society and Royal Roads. Currently, I am in my first year of the Bachelor of Arts in Justice Studies at Royal Roads University. Previously, I worked in the First Nations health field for 10 years, working with Yúustway Squamish Nation Health Services, Tsleil-Waututh Nation Health Department and the First Nations Health Authority.
I am 3 years and 5 months in sobriety. I sit on three Squamish Nation Committees, 1) Chiyaxw Member Advisory Group (MAG) – Childs Rights Jurisdiction, 2) Housing Policy Community Working Group, 3) 2SLGBTQIA+ Inclusion Community Advisory Group (CAG). In my free time, I love to do beadwork and teach (share knowledge/skills) people when I can.
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 are able to fully participate in social, cultural, spiritual, and economic life along with everyone else in the Nation. This includes (but is not limited to) raising awareness, making changes to physical spaces, and adjusting how we interact with one another.
