Thank you once again for a memorable Indigenous People Festival! The opportunity to be in community with other Native people from all parts of the Puget Sound region was life-affirming and nourished our souls — but it was more than just that. As we celebrated both Indigeneity and Pride this month, IPF gave us a much-anticipated means to show up for our Two-Spirit relatives at a pivotal moment in time.
Two-Spirit people have been an integral part of our communities since time immemorial. They are our parents, siblings, aunties, and uncles who protect and guide our steps as we walk through this world. In certain tribal nations, these individuals also uphold a sacred, spiritual, and ceremonial role that is recognized and confirmed by the Elders of the Two-Spirit person’s community. People with this status have been instrumental in preserving traditional languages, skills, and dances.
Across the United States, however, Two-Spirit people are under attack from people and institutions that would deny them the right to exist. State legislatures are passing laws that jeopardize the families, physical and mental well-being, and careers of our sacred siblings. Sometimes these threats have even appeared in the actions of those we believed to be allies.
It’s no longer enough to offer our support to Two-Spirit people individually and in private. In the face of such virulent hostility, Indigenous values demand that we stand with our siblings publicly and vocally.
Celebrating Two-Spirit existence is an Indigenous value: it is an essential part of our return to who we are as Native people, beyond colonialist ideas and categories. Our Indigenous People Festival allowed us to enthusiastically support our Two-Spirit relatives in living their individual truths freely and joyfully. We invite you to relive these moments by enjoying the photos below.
About Indigenous People Festival
Indigenous People Festival is a free, in-person event featuring music, art, goods, and food in celebration of Native cultures. It is held in partnership with Seattle Center and in collaboration with our community. Why does a community health center like Seattle Indian Health Board host Indigenous People Festival? Since we provide healthcare in the Native way, we know that celebrating culture is essential to our relatives’ well-being.