ALBERT MCLEOD is a Status Indian with ancestry from Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation and the Métis communities of Cross Lake and Norway House in northern Manitoba. He has over thirty years of experience as a human rights activist and was one of the founders of 2-Spirited People of Manitoba. Albert is a member of the team who designed "Thunderhead," the winning concept for the 2SLGBTQI+ National Monument in Ottawa.

ELAINE MORDOCH is an Associate Professor and Research Affiliate at the College of Nursing, University of Manitoba. Her research focuses on topics such as Indigenous students’ perceptions of intergenerational trauma on education, suicide prevention and most recently, with Elder Albert McLeod, the lived experiences of Two-Spirit people. Elaine enjoys writing poetry, visiting her 7 grandchildren and walking her lovely old dogs.

SONYA BALLANTYNE (she, they) is a Swampy Cree writer, filmmaker and speaker based in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Her work focuses on contemporary and futuristic portrayals of Indigenous women and girls. Her published works include the children’s book Kerri Berry Lynn as well as contributions to anthologies such as Pros and (Comic) Cons and Women Love Wrestling.

ALICE RL (they, them) is a professional illustrator and art teacher based in Winnipeg, Manitoba. As a non-binary Ojibwe artist, Alice draws inspiration from their life experiences and cultural teachings. Alice blends these inspirations with a signature palette of bright, playful hues to create stunning juxtapositions of human brutality and emotion with hope and whim.

**

Your graphic novel Between the Pipes tells the story of thirteen-year-old Chase, a young Indigenous hockey player questioning his sexuality. Why was it important for you to tell this story?

ALBERT: Depression, anxiety, and suicide awareness and prevention among First Nations, Inuit, and Metis youth in Canada is an ongoing concern. Even more so for 2Spirit, Indigenous LGBTQI+ youth who have few resources and avenues to address these issues. In many cases, uniformed heteronormative attitudes equate being gay with being physically and psychologically weak and effeminate. This homophobic and transphobic attitude is especially virulent in professional male sports around the world. The graphic novel unpacks the impact of these bullying attitudes and reveals how Indigenous culture-based philosophies, common sense, and social inclusion predates colonialism.

ELAINE: It was important to tell the story to draw attention to the complex issues a youth experiencing a sexual identity crisis may face. Prior to writing the story, Elder Albert McLeod and I conducted a research project wherein a total of nine people, identifying as Two Spirit (three Elders, three parents and three youth) participated in qualitative focus group interviews. All described hardships related to homophobia and racism as well as triumph over these experiences. All wanted the story written to make the way easier for the youth of today; to show them there is hope, and there are helpers along the way.

The story is important on two counts: for youth who are struggling with an emerging gay identity and for people who do not understand what a 2S youth may experience.

In the novel, Chase is torn between different versions of masculinity, a conflict that is heightened by the toxic culture he experiences on the ice. Why did you want to set Chase’s conflict so specifically in the arena of sports?

ALBERT: 2Spirit people in Canada possess inalienable and inherent rights, First Nations treaty, and Inuit and Metis rights, and civil, constitutional and universal rights. As such, they must be able to participate in all aspects of society that promote socialization, respect, and physical and mental health. This includes the major and minor sports leagues which are popular rites of passage experiences among Indigenous people in North America. Historically, Indigenous women and 2Spirit people were hunters, fishers, and trappers. Alexander the Younger, in his journal writings circa 1800, describes Indigenous women playing shinny on a frozen river. This is likely the first account of hockey being played in Canada.  

ELAINE: Albert raised this idea, and I think it was effective particularly with hockey. Hockey is generally a subject that interests and attracts youth. It is respected, esteemed and iconically Canadian also with a lesser known distinct Indigenous history. It is influential as a way to pursue a big money career. Even if you don’t play, hockey is familiar. Manitoba Indigenous people have active hockey teams in many communities and also play in other leagues.

As well, there are known tensions related to race, homophobia and elitism within hockey organizations with an evolving focus towards inclusivity as evidenced by the   "Everyone can play" movement.

Over the course of the book, Chase is guided by a number of elders, including his beloved Kookum. Can you speak a little more about how traditional knowledge about Two-Spirit people helps guide Chase on his journey?

ALBERT: Canada’s National Inquiry into Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women included thirty-two 2SLGBTQQIA-Specific Calls for Justice in its 2019 final report. Prior to contact with Anglo-Christian settlers, Indigenous peoples of the Americas included Indigenous LGBTQ people in their families, communities, cultures, traditions, languages, ceremonies, and life philosophies. As Indigenous people increasingly decolonize, these aspects of 2Spirit inclusion are re-emerging and improving their lives and safety. The supportive characters in the graphic novel were able to provide these beliefs, knowledge, and practices to Chase and resolve his trauma, anxiety, and fears.

ELAINE: Many, but not necessarily all, Indigenous nations respected gender fluidity and esteemed their Two Spirit relatives for their gifts in politics, decision making on council, healing, spirituality, knowledge keeping and child minding and teaching. Elder Eddie, Dot Footprint and Kookum respect the traditional position and gifts of Two Spirit people. They are role models who give wise council, provide hope and inspire by their calm and confident presence. They introduce Chase to ceremony which can become a source of strength and hope.

Examples in the novel: Dot – Lesbian, filmmaker,  productive, upbeat, optimistic; Elder Eddie – Two Spirit, survivor, introduces the healing power of nature, community and ceremony. Kookum – Grandmother solid and grounded in who she is – a positive force validating Two Spirit people.

Why is it so vital for stories about Two-Spirit people to reach Indigenous youth today?

ALBERT: The National Inquiry into MMIWG established a new pathway for Canadian society. The solution to anti-Indigenous racism, patriarchy, misogyny, and gender-based violence, involves the inclusion of 2Spirit people in critical governance and cultural roles. It essentially says that Indigenous women and 2Spirit people are essential to the future of Canada as a nation. When 2Spirit are at the table it will change the conversation about human health, justice, equity, and healing forever. 2Spirit people do not need to carry the burden of colonialism, they can successfully complete their education, have university degrees and careers, marry and have children, and own a house and land.

 
ELAINE: Learning from our Two Spirit research participants, I would say their experiences highlight the past and current struggles and the resilience in their life journeys. Two Spirit youth face racism and homophobia, are overrepresented in street involved youth, economic difficulties and homelessness. They also can face homophobia from their own families and home communities, increasing marginalization from general society and their Indigenous communities. Thus, it is vital that they have access to stories of positive outcomes, to current resources (listed in our book) and to the movement of resurgence, honouring Two Spirit people. Two Spirit youth require opportunities to connect with positive people. It can still be difficult to find these people. Stories are one way to provide more hope for youth at risk for mental health problems, suicidal ideation and attempts. Culture and traditions can be ways of finding strength and a safe place.

What particular stories or storytellers influenced you on your own journey?

ALBERT: The dreamworld is a spiritual realm that is sacred to Indigenous peoples. Dream interpretation is important as it represents a connection to the natural world, the spiritual world, and the world of our ancestors. We can receive knowledge and gifts from these realms. My mother told me a dream she had about a white bear crashing through a frozen pond; I used to dream about meeting many types of bears, and a colleague told me about a real-life experience of having an eagle fly overhead and its feather falling into her canoe.

Indigenous ceremonies like the pipe ceremony, Sundance, and sweat lodge are story-telling events that provide wisdom at the mental, emotional, spiritual, psychological, and physical levels.  The people who began this re-emergence work are Dr. Myra Laramee, who brought us the 2Spirit name, and leaders like Barbara Cameron, Randy Burns, Beverly Littlethunder, Dr. Wesley Thomas, Curtis Harris Davia, Roger Armitte, Cole McGillivary, Barbara Bruce and Elder Barbara Daniels.

ELAINE: Stories from students, in what was then known as the Aboriginal Focus Program, Community Wellness Workers Certificate (University of Manitoba) where I taught Counselling Skills for over 20 years, were foundational in shaping my thinking and increasing my knowledge of the reality of Indigenous people’s lives and situations; hardships, humour and resilience. I participated in many sharing circles which taught and humbled me to honour various ways of seeing the world.  

Excerpts

All excerpts courtesy of HighWater Press.