Every March 19, communities across Canada and beyond mark Two-Spirit Celebration & Awareness Day — a day to honour, celebrate, and raise awareness about Two-Spirit people and their sacred place within Indigenous cultures.
At Blue World Treasures, this day holds deep personal meaning. As a Métis artisan, I create pieces that carry the weight of Indigenous history and the hope of its future. This post is my way of sharing what Two-Spirit Day means — and why it matters.
What Does "Two-Spirit" Mean?
Two-Spirit (sometimes written as 2-Spirit or 2S) is a term used by many Indigenous peoples across Turtle Island to describe individuals who embody both masculine and feminine spiritual qualities. It is an umbrella term that encompasses a wide range of gender identities and expressions that exist within Indigenous cultural frameworks.
Importantly, Two-Spirit is not simply an Indigenous equivalent of LGBTQ+ identities — it is a culturally specific term rooted in Indigenous spiritual traditions, community roles, and worldviews. Two-Spirit people were often honoured as healers, visionaries, ceremonial leaders, and mediators within their Nations.
The Impact of Colonization
Before colonization, Two-Spirit people held respected roles in many Indigenous communities. Colonial policies — including residential schools, the Indian Act, and the forced imposition of European gender norms — systematically erased these traditions and caused immeasurable harm to Two-Spirit individuals.
Today, Two-Spirit people face disproportionate rates of violence, homelessness, and discrimination. The "2S+" in MMIWG2S+ (Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit People) is a recognition of this reality — and a commitment to ensuring Two-Spirit lives are not forgotten.
Reclaiming and Celebrating
Two-Spirit Celebration & Awareness Day is not only about acknowledging harm — it is about celebrating resilience, reclamation, and the ongoing revival of Two-Spirit traditions. Across Canada, Two-Spirit people are reclaiming their rightful place of honour within their communities.
Beadwork as an Act of Solidarity
At Blue World Treasures, our MMIWG2S+ Red Dress Earring Pattern was created with the full community in mind. The Red Dress is a powerful symbol of remembrance for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit people. When you bead these earrings, you carry that symbol — and that awareness — with you.
Every stitch is an act of remembrance. Every purchase supports Indigenous artisans and causes.
[Shop the MMIWG2S+ Red Dress Earring Pattern →]
How to Honour Two-Spirit Day
- Learn: Follow Two-Spirit-led organizations and educators on social media
- Amplify: Share content created by Two-Spirit people on March 19
- Support: Purchase from Indigenous artisans whose work honours the full MMIWG2S+ community
- Listen: Centre Two-Spirit voices in conversations about Indigenous rights and identity
This March 19, we invite you to stand with us in honouring Two-Spirit people — past, present, and future. 🧡
--- Blue World Treasures is a Métis-owned jewelry and beadwork shop based in Alberta, Canada. Every piece is handcrafted with intention and supports Indigenous artisans and causes.