The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s Native American Center for Excellence is proud to present a webinar experience:

Two-Spirit People:  Then and Now – Sex, Gender and Sexuality in Historical & Contemporary Native America 

September 10th at 11:00 AM EDT(10am CDT, 9am MDT, 8am PDT and 7am Alaska)

Space is limited - Reserve your place now, go to:

https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/366290542Discussion

WEBINAR DESCRIPTION:In the 21st century, one tradition that was nearly lost is contemporarily known as Two-Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender identified Native America/American Indian/Alaskan Natives. This webinar will examine historical perspective to today’s condition and state of the Two-Spirit community. This webinar will also look at current data, barriers and challenges of this population in seeking and accessing services.  A detail report for current resources and key recommendations will be addressed.
PRESENTERS:

• Sharon Day (Ojibwa): Indigenous Peoples Task Force, Minneapolis, MN
• John Hawk CO-Cke’ (Osage, Chickasaw & Peoria):  Muscogee-Creek TCE/HIV Project & Tulsa Two-Spirit Society, Tulsa, OK
• Pamela Jumper Thurman (Cherokee): National Center of Community Readiness/Ethnic Studies Department – University of Colorado, Ft. Collins
• Harlan Pruden (Cree): NorthEast Two-Spirit Society, New York, NY

POINTS OF CONTACT:

• Josefine Haynes-Battle, Government Project Officer, SAMHSA:  josefine.haynes-battle@SAMHSA.hhs.gov
• Nelia Nadal, Alternate Government Project Officer, SAMHSA:  Nelia.Nadal@samhsa.hhs.gov
• AJ Ernst, PhD, NACE Project Director:  aernst@avarconsulting.com
• Seprieono Locario, NACE Training Coordinator: seprieono.locario@kauffmaninc.com

NativeCry.org was created in honor of all fallen Young Native Americans as a call to action against preventable deaths due to alcoholism, drug addiction and suicide. They want to bring hope and increase positive feeling amongst young tribal people.

When you believe your pain will end, your family’s pain just begins. NativeCry.org wants everyone to “Think before you act!”

Although this new campaign is targeted to all Native youth, our Two-Spirit youth must be kept in mind in light of what know from numerous studies showing that lesbian, gay, and bisexual youth have a higher rate of suicide attempts than do heterosexual youth. The Suicide Prevention Resource Center synthesized these studies and estimated that between 30% and 40% of LGB youth, depending on age and sex groups, have attempted suicide.

It is impossible to know the exact suicide rate of LGBT & Two-Spirit youth because sexuality and gender minorities are often hidden and even unknown, particularly in this age group. Further research is currently being done to explain the prevalence of suicide among LGBT youths. (Remafedi, 1999; Rutter, & Soucar, 2002)

In light of this data, the NorthEast Two-Spirit Society wants to support this campaign, and we call you everyone else to not only watch this PSA but share it with your friends, family and everyone else you know.