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IndigiQueer Kinship Group
May 10 @ 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Welcome! This is a new group created for the Indigenous, Two-Spirit, Queer community here in Ottawa. This is a super exciting opportunity and we hope many of you are able to join our group! For the first meeting, we will be doing introductions, talking about the nature of the group, and do some painting and drawing while chatting! We will also have some snacks and drinks.
If you have any questions please reach out at sabrina@kindspace.ca
Group Description:
IndigiQueer Kinship Group is a peer support and social group for Two-Spirit and Queer Indigenous folk. Our group’s goal is to create a safe, welcoming and culturally inclusive environment where you can meet others who share similar backgrounds and experiences. We understand the importance of having spaces where Indigenous culture is celebrated, valued and respected. If you want to make new friends, find support from peers, or if you want to come and chill, our group offers a space where you can be yourself without judgment!
The IndigiQueer Kinship Group will run from 1-3 pm on the second Saturday of every month (with the exception of the first meeting).
Notes for Participants:
This group is open to anyone who identifies as 2SLGBTQIA+ and self-identifies as First Nation, Inuit, or Métis, we want this space to be available for people with varying lived experiences. While we are open to those reclaiming or navigating their culture, we will not tolerate any intentional false claims of Indigenous identity or pretendians. While we will not police identities at the IndigiQueer, we expect you to come in good faith, or you may be asked to leave.We are also open to participants inviting a non-indigenous family member, partner, spouse or kids, as long as they honour what the space is intended for.
This is a social and peer support group in a community center environment. This means no professional mental health, psychology, or therapy support is available during the group. As we are all going to be Indigenous and queer folk, we recognize the many historical and current traumas that our communities have gone through.
We also know that we cannot talk about our successes without acknowledging our pain and oppression. However, we will ask that you try to refrain from bringing up any personal traumatic experiences during group discussions. When separate from the entire group, talking amongst yourselves, you will be able to discuss whatever you would like at your own discretion. This rule is to ensure that we do not re-trigger or cause secondary trauma to anyone participating in the group discussions. Talking about what we have gone through is so important, but this is a space to relax, and just be.
Note for Parents:
This group will allow you to bring your children if you do not have childcare options available. It is important to note that we will not be responsible for the entertainment or care for your children. We have toys and games available for them to use, however it is your responsibility to watch them. If you are bringing your children, please make sure to fill out this form again for them so we know how many people are attending.
Accessibility:
If you have any access needs please let us know!
Accessibility information can be found here: https://kindspace.ca/about/accessibility/
Activities:
We will have different activities each time we meet. It will most likely be crafts or games. But if you have any ideas of things or crafts you want to see included, please do not hesitate to let us know!
Bio of Facilitators:
Hello! My name is Sabrina, and I am 21 years old. I am an urban Inuk who has lived in Ottawa my entire life. When I was 4 years old I was adopted with my older sister into a primarily white family, which has resulted in our disconnection from the Inuit language, culture and community. In the past 5 years, I have been slowly reconnecting with my culture and with the Indigenous people in the community. I live with FASD, ADHD and anxiety. I love reading, cooking and baking. I am a Carleton University student currently in my third year of the Bachelor’s of Social Work program, with minors in Indigenous Studies, and Criminology and Criminal Justice. With this group, I hope to make new friends, connections and learn more about my Inuit culture, as well as other Indigenous cultures. I look forward to meeting you all, and hope to have lots of fun in this group!!
