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.
Apply to Join the Community Advisory GroupWhat 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
- Join the Community Advisory Group
- Upcoming Events – Nch’u7mut Blanketing Ceremony
- Project Progress
- Resources
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
Join the Community Advisory Group
Are you passionate about advocating for 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion, rights, and issues?
The 2SLGBTQIA+ Inclusion Initiative Community Advisory Group (CAG) is looking for three (3) community members to contribute their leadership, expertise, and advice to the Nation. Honorariums will be provided.
Apply to join the 2SLGBTQIA+ Inclusion Initiative Community Advisory Group by Wednesday, April 3, 2024 at 9:00 am (NEW DATE).
Click here to apply, or download an printable application form.
Choose one of four ways to submit your application:
- Complete an online application form.
- Find a printed form in the Squamish Nation printed newsletters, or print this form, and submit your application:
- Drop off your completed application form at Totem Hall reception (1380 Stawamus Road, Squamish), Ayás Mén̓men (Child & Family Services) reception (Unit 2, 380 Welch Street, West Vancouver), or the Main Band Office reception (320 Seymour Boulevard, North Vancouver).
- Mail your application to PO Box 86131 North Vancouver, BC V7L 4J5, Attn: 2SLGBTQIA+ Inclusion Initiative.
- Ask for support with completing your application, or find an alternative way to apply by contacting the Main Office at 604-980-4553 or email twospiritinclusion@squamish.net
You may also include your cover letter and resume. Application deadline is Wednesday, April 3, 2024 (NEW DATE) at 9:00 am.
If you have any questions, call 604-980-4553 (please ask for the 2SLGBTQIA+ Inclusion Initiative) or email twospiritinclusion@squamish.net.
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
We strive to create a diverse and inclusive advisory group. Priority will be given to building a well-balanced representation, including individuals who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+ and allies.
The selection of the new CAG members will be completed by Nation staff using a matrix system for reviewing applications and deciding on the chosen candidates.
- 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
- Jo Natrall, on-reserve, North Vancouver, Youth
Upcoming Events
Nch’u7mut Blanketing Ceremony – NEW DATE
Let’s uphold and celebrate Sḵwx̱wú7mesh people who identify as Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning, Intersex, Asexual and additional sexual orientations and gender identities (2SLGBTQIA+). Our ceremony will provide a safe place for love and acceptance. All are welcome.
Wednesday, March 27, 2024 | 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Chief Joe Mathias Centre (100 Capilano Road, West Vancouver)
Participate in this Ceremony:
If you are a Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Member or family member of someone who identifies as 2SLGBTQIA+, you are invited to take part in this blanketing ceremony whether this is your first time, or you have participated in the past. Please feel free to invite people who love and support you to attend.
You may bring the following, if you’d like:
- A blanket to stand on. A blanket and headband will be provided, but you are free to bring your own.
- A basket of items for a giveaway (handmade crafts or purchase)
We will have everything you need to participate fully including people who will support you.
Meal, transportation, Guardians, and supports will be available.
For questions and to register, contact Stephanie Watts at Stephanie_Watts@squamish.net or 604-985-4111.
Agenda
- 5:00 pm Opening and tables set
- 6:00 pm Ceremony and blanketing to begin at
- 7:00 pm Closing speakers
- 8:00 pm Giveaways and closing
Transportation – North Shore schedule
- 4:00 pm Seymore IR Mailboxes
- 4:20 pm Eslha7an L.C.
- 4:25 pm Mission Road & 1st Street
- 4:45 pm Jacob & Jacobs
- 4:50 pm Mathias & Rivers
- 4:55 pm Ikwikws Road & Skawshen Road
Transportation – Squamish Valley schedule
- 3:00 pm Cheekeye (Lewis Drive)
- 3:15 pm Waiwakum Teen Centre
- 3:30 pm Kowtain (Fortune Kitchen)
- 3:40 pm Yekwapsum (Dike Trail Entrance)
- 3:55 pm Stawamus (Totem Hall)
- 4:00 pm Leave Totem Hall
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
If you have any questions about this project, please email twospiritinclusion@squamish.net.
- Invite community members to join the Community Advisory Group (Three positions available as of early 2024)
- 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.