Abstract

Centering the voices of Indigiqueers, Trans, Two-Spirit (2S) people and Indigenous women shines light where we find radical thought, grassroots action and rebellious forms of care. This revolutionary practice ultimately disturbs the systems of colonialism and heteronormativity that work to oppress QTBIPOC (Queer, Trans, Black, Indigenous, People of Color) communities. The gendered processes of colonialism in so-called North America have disrupted the balance of gender roles and leadership responsibilities/capacities traditionally held by non-binary, gender fluid and Trans folks in our communities. Government legislation and policy such as the Indian Act, the reserve system and residential schools have led to social and economic disparity for Indigenous peoples and forced diaspora to urban centres, where Indigenous community is now comprised of a variety of nations coming together in solidarity to share and support one another. Edited into nine podcast episodes titled kiyanâw maskihkîwakan : Our Medicines, this research-creation project centres storytelling by urban Indigiqueers, Trans, Two-Spirit people and Indigenous women on their life journeys and decolonization, collective care and self-care. Storytellers touch on experiences related to identity and belonging, (re)connection, trauma, cultural teachings, creativity, gender and sexuality, body sovereignty, role in community, and notions of and relationships with land. They reveal how we kindle and keep alight kinship relations with each other and ourselves on the land – whether urban, rural or cyber scapes – as we navigate these settled spaces toward possible Indigenous futures.