Two-Spirit Specific Training

“Two-Spirit Then and Now: Reclaiming Our Place of Honor” enables participants who are working as behavioral health, mental health, substance abuse and HIV/AIDS care providers to work more effectively with Two-Spirit people. This training comes in several formats: half-day, full day or intensive day and half training. The workshop provides participants, both Native and non-Native, with an opportunity to look at and discuss how historical trauma led to the dissolution of the role and the displacement of Two-Spirit people from within their Nations and native communities. The connection between the displacement of Two-Spirit people from their heritage, and who routinely experience stigma and discrimination in both in both Native and mainstream society, is presented and discussed in terms of the impact on their health and mental health risks, health disparities and recovery support needs.

For more information on this training email requests and inquiries to training@ne2ss.org or call 646.351.7360.

Speaker’s Bureau

NE2SS offers a talk entitled “Two-Spirits are Better Than One” to groups, schools and community organizations. This presentation looks at the gender diversity that existed in many American Indian communities and who are the members of the two-spirit community are today.

Walking the Red-Way!

Throughout the year, NE2SS offers cultural programming to its members. In the past, ne2ss has offered traditional dance, beading and fry-bread making classes. In the upcoming year, ne2ss plans to make chokers, dreamcatchers, shields and ribbon shirts. ne2ss hopes one day to start its own drumming circle.

Sharing Our Paths

NE2SS offers opportunities throughout the year for members to socialize with one another to build strong social bonds and a sense of belonging within the Two-Spirit community of the NorthEast. These events have included pot-lucks, meet ups, attending Gatherings across the country, BBQ’s and picnics.

Where the Red-Way Meets the Concrete

NE2SS works to increase the visibly of the Two-Spirit community of the NorthEast. From marching in the Pride Parade leading the People of Color contingent, hosting community forums, publishing “Two-Spirit Times” - our quarterly newsletter, to forging alliances with other community based groups and organizations to ensure the Two-Spirit community needs are being represented and addressed.

Widening the Circle

NE2SS offers technical assistance to assist those who would like to start a Two-Spirit organization in their area. What we offer is a step-by-step manual including flier and agenda templates, how to set-up a list serve to communicate with members, how to start a web-site for free and a host of other helpful tips.