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Red Deer Native Friendship Society Awakens the Gift of Two Spirits

RDDCF presents $40,000 grant through the Fund for Gender Equality

Long before European contact, the Indigenous people of North America once recognized a third gender now known as Two-Spirit. These individuals combined a balance of both male and female spirits, and this was viewed as sacred. These individuals were not only accepted into their communities but also revered for their unique abilities and contributions. They fulfilled a diverse number of important roles. 

Because of a grant of $40,000 through the Fund for Gender Equality, the Red Deer Native Friendship Society (RDNFS) will be hiring someone to research the unique history and traditional teachings of Two-Spirit people. The teachings will then be shared at ceremonies, bringing awareness of the cultural and spiritual significance of Two-Spirit people back into Central Alberta.  

“The Red Deer Native Friendship Society has become the Indigenous hub for connecting people from all backgrounds to the many programs and resources we offer the community,” Donna Bishop, Cultural Connections Team Lead for the RDNFS said. “We are sharing more and more of the old knowledge and ceremonies that were extinguished long ago.” 

One of the most important among these teachings, Bishop said, are those of the Two-Spirit. “We have been discussing this project for the last three years,” she said. “This opportunity came at the right time for us to re–introduce the teachings.” 

RDNFS will be creating a space for Two-Spirit people to explore identity with other Two-Spirit and gender diverse individuals with the support of Elders. 

“This will also be beneficial to our youth who are struggling with their sexuality, culture and identity,” Bishop said. “We have had many youth who need a safe space to work with the Elders and helpers during their journey –  and we know in our hearts, this program may even save lives.”  

Program activities would include Two-Spirit sweat lodge teachings and ceremony, finding Elders and spiritual advisors with the knowledge of Two-Spirit teachings to do educational sessions, building relationships with 2SLGBTQ community organizations, and facilitating sharing circles for Two-Spirit youth and adults. 

 “It will truly create the educational and spiritual inclusiveness that we are ready in all areas of the medicine wheel to address,” Bishop said. “To pioneer such an important project is a gift we must treat as sacred.” 

I grew up in a family that had many rainbow warriors.  I have brothers, cousins and many friends who are a part of the rainbow community. I really did not understand, when I was growing up, that society didn’t feel as ok or comfortable as I did.  When I got older is when I started understanding the discrimination of the rainbow community. I witnessed many tears and lives lead in secret or confusion – and it would break my heart to have to be quiet about it and keep secrets so my family members would be safe.  So, I prayed for a long time to be a part of something bigger; when Creator’s time was right for me to do this… Well, this is that time.

~ Donna Bishop, Cultural Connections Team Lead/Mentor, Red Deer Native Friendship Society

Fund for Gender Equality, What's Happening

Gender Lens Investments

October 11, 2021
https://rddcf.ca/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/rddcf-logo.jpg 0 0 Danielle Stewart https://rddcf.ca/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/rddcf-logo.jpg Danielle Stewart2021-10-11 15:55:262021-10-11 16:24:58Gender Lens Investments
Fund for Gender Equality, Impact Stories

Grant provides support for survivors of sexual assault

January 22, 2021
https://rddcf.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/4-6.png 500 1500 Erin Peden https://rddcf.ca/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/rddcf-logo.jpg Erin Peden2021-01-22 04:43:362021-02-11 23:34:05Grant provides support for survivors of sexual assault
Fund for Gender Equality, Impact Stories

Grant enables Lacombe’s Broom Tree to Build Bridges

January 22, 2021
https://rddcf.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/6-2.png 500 1500 Erin Peden https://rddcf.ca/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/rddcf-logo.jpg Erin Peden2021-01-22 01:48:042021-02-11 23:34:05Grant enables Lacombe’s Broom Tree to Build Bridges
Fund for Gender Equality, Impact Stories

Recognizing that One Size Does NOT Fit All

January 21, 2021
https://rddcf.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/7-2.png 500 1500 Erin Peden https://rddcf.ca/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/rddcf-logo.jpg Erin Peden2021-01-21 20:13:142021-02-11 23:34:05Recognizing that One Size Does NOT Fit All
Fund for Gender Equality, Impact Stories

Soroptimist International of Central Alberta Makes a Promise

January 21, 2021
https://rddcf.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/5-3.png 500 1500 Erin Peden https://rddcf.ca/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/rddcf-logo.jpg Erin Peden2021-01-21 17:35:422021-02-11 23:34:05Soroptimist International of Central Alberta Makes a Promise
Fund for Gender Equality, Impact Stories

RDDCF presents $40,000 grant for project designed to address racism, sexism, albeism and prejudice

January 21, 2021
https://rddcf.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/8-2.png 500 1500 Erin Peden https://rddcf.ca/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/rddcf-logo.jpg Erin Peden2021-01-21 17:34:462021-02-11 23:34:06RDDCF presents $40,000 grant for project designed to address racism, sexism, albeism and prejudice
Fund for Gender Equality, Impact Stories

Grant provides social, legal and income support for trans and gender diverse individuals

January 21, 2021
https://rddcf.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/3-8.png 500 1500 Erin Peden https://rddcf.ca/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/rddcf-logo.jpg Erin Peden2021-01-21 17:33:382021-02-11 23:34:06Grant provides social, legal and income support for trans and gender diverse individuals
Fund for Gender Equality, Impact Stories

Red Deer Native Friendship Society Awakens the Gift of Two Spirits

January 21, 2021
https://rddcf.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/2-9.png 500 1500 Erin Peden https://rddcf.ca/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/rddcf-logo.jpg Erin Peden2021-01-21 17:28:062021-02-11 23:34:06Red Deer Native Friendship Society Awakens the Gift of Two Spirits
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Smart & Caring Communities Fund

The Smart & Caring Communities Fund the smartest way to ensure funding is getting to the areas that need it most within your community. Our Smart & Caring Community Fund is a flexible granting model. This means that a collection of our community-minded volunteers can create grants to aid the areas that need it most without having to worry about limitations or specific parameters.

 

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  • RDDCF announces over $55,000 in grants through community grants program 
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4901 – 48 Street
Red Deer, AB T4N 6M4

P: 403.341.6911
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E: erinpeden@rddcf.ca

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