Nogojiwanong Friendship Centre

The CGCD program aims to empower and support Indigenous 2SLGBTQQIA+ individuals and families by fostering a sense of belonging within the community. In partnership with the Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres (OFIFC), this program focuses on engaging Two-Spirit and Indigenous LGBTQ+ people through one-on-one mentorship, community-driven research, and culturally informed services.

By providing access to vital resources such as gender-affirming gear, traditional medicines, and advocacy, the program works to increase knowledge, heal, and build stronger connections within Indigenous communities. With a particular emphasis on youth, CGCD provides a safe space for participants to define their well-being, restore cultural practices, and ensure positive, inclusive relationships within Friendship Centre

This program empowers Two-Spirit and Indigiqueer individuals, encourages cultural preservation, and ensures the inclusion and safety of 2SLGBTQQIA+ people in all areas of life, with a focus on healing and well-being.

Objective:

• Increase access to supports: Enhance knowledge of and access to Friendship Centre services for 2SLGBTQQIA+ people of all ages, with a focus on promoting healing and well-being.
• Build community understanding: Improve communal awareness of 2SLGBTQQIA+ experiences, fostering positive and respectful relationships across all community spaces.
• End violence: Contribute to the elimination of family violence and violence against Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ individuals.
• Promote cultural restoration: Support the participation of Indigenous culture in a safe environment, particularly for 2SLGBTQQIA+ youth and families.
• Encourage well-being and belonging: Foster a strong sense of identity and belonging for 2SLGBTQQIA+ individuals.

Program Services:

• Gender-affirming gear: Access to chest binders and other gender-affirming resources.
• Traditional medicines and teachings: Connection to Indigenous healing practices and cultural wisdom.
• One-on-one conversations: Support for 2SLGBTQQIA+ individuals and their families, with a focus on strengthening family support systems.
• Advocacy: Assistance in navigating prejudice and bias both within and beyond Friendship Centres.
• Community gatherings: Inclusive spaces for 2SLGBTQQIA+ individuals to connect and be supported by the wider community.

Program Activities:

• Cultural workshops: Traditional arts, hand drumming, wellness workshops, and more.
• Land-based activities: Medicine walks, canoeing, nature visits, and other grounding experiences.
• Community events: Participation in Two-Spirit Powwows, TDOR vigils, and talks with Two-Spirit elders and knowledge keepers.

Participant Services:

• Healing plans: Personalized support to foster well-being and inclusion.
• Support with discrimination: Advocacy against homophobia, transphobia, and anti-Indigenous bias in various life contexts (e.g., schools, workplaces).
• Arts & wellness workshops: Crafting, hand drumming, and wellness-focused sessions to promote self-expression and healing.