Abstract

This research creation project, grounded in Michif and nêhiyaw worldviews, centres the resurgent practices of tastawayihk-iyiniwak (2Spirit) drum carriers across Turtle Island, highlighting their roles, relationships, and lived experiences of cultural continuity, language reclamation, and healing. Settler colonialism’s gendered process forced patriarchal social systems on Indigenous communities (Arvin, M., Tuck, E., & Morrill, A., 2013; University of Alberta, 2021), imposing a gender binary and suppressing leadership roles 2Spirit (Two-Spirit) people held in many Indigenous communities (Labelle, 2018). In response to this cultural erasure, this project serves to reanimate 2Spirit sacred relationships to the drum. This research creation is grounded in a decolonial framework, upholding four-body being teachings, through participatory methodologies of kiyokêwin (visiting) (Campbell, 2015, Naytowhow, 2015, Flaminio et al., 2020; Gaudet, 2019), and wâhkôhtowin (extended kinship) (Naytowhow, 2013, Thunder, 2025).

The research explores têwêhikan (the drum) as both central methodology and method, acting as teacher, guide, and helper, working to assist 2Spirit healing and resurgence. The process involves extensive kiyokêwin (visiting) with six 2Spirit drum carriers to gather embodied knowledge and personal stories. This research actively cultivates spaces for Indigiqueer joy and miskâsowin (belonging) in 2Spirit community.
Culminating the research creation, a new bundle of 2Spirit songs (nikamowina) is created, ensuring the transmission of vital 2Spirit knowledge for future generations. These songs, which are an expression of a 2Spirit future imaginary, are integrated into a collaborative performance, serving as a vital resource to uplift 2Spirit roles, sovereignty, language reclamation, and self-determination for present and emerging generations.