Examples of Indigenous Peoples’ Acceptance of Gender Variances on Turtle Island
Native communities throughout North America (also known as Turtle Island) have always acknowledged and embraced gender differences. One group who might be thought of as embodying both masculine and feminine characteristics is the Two-Spirit people. Within their cultures, Two-Spirit individuals were commonly considered spiritual leaders, mediators, and healers. They were regarded as a blessing from the Creator because of the unique gifts they brought to society. Then, some examples exist of how the Indigenous Peoples name gender variances seen via particular notions.
These examples show that their language involves many inclusive terms, showing its progressive nature in the context. In Lakota, “Winkte” means “to be as a woman.” In Diné, “Nádleehi” stands for “those who transform” – a significant concept in the gender binary dimension (them, 2018, 00:01:27-00:02:14). These instances highlight the wide range of the cultures’ acceptance and celebration of gender differences.
The Impact of Colonialism on Indigenous Perspectives of Gender
The colonial era severely distorted and misrepresented Indigenous conceptions of gender. European conquerors, inspired by Western patriarchal structures – which were rooted in Ancient Greece and were maintained and developed during feudalism – brought with them inflexible binary concepts of gender. These ideas were at odds with the more open and accepting gender roles practiced by many local societies.
In the process of imposing their cultural norms and institutions, invaders undervalued and repressed gender identities and roles. Once held in high regard for their individuality, “Despite (or because of) the importance of Two-Spirit people, European colonizers directly targeted them” (Gomez, 2022, para 10). The imposition of European standards caused enormous injury and trauma inside communities.
Rethinking the Sacred, Religion, and Gender Through Respect for Mother Earth
Sacred and loving, Mother Earth is typically connected with femininity in many Indigenous cultures (Gomez, 2022). All life is seen as interdependent in this view, which also stresses the need for human stewardship of the planet. Our conception of the holy changes radically when we start seeing Mother Earth as a sacred connection worthy of reverence rather than a commodity to exploit. It proposes a way of relating to the natural world that is more inclusive and long-lasting, one that respects the worth of every living thing and works to keep everything in check.
The following idea came to elder and academic Myra Laramee’s dream while formulating the notion of ‘two-spirit. “You are as of us. You are one of us, and you have been here like us since the beginning of time, and you have come to know… how we travel the earth and the sky world, and the spirit world” (Gomez, 2022, para. 13). The statement above significantly reflects the perception of considering the world as an inclusive place for everyone – regardless of gender or cultural background. The conventional wisdom, which puts people at the center and encourages resource extraction and exploitation, is therefore challenged by this view. Local societal groups instill a strong feeling of environmental responsibility in their members by respecting the holiness of Mother Earth.
There are religious implications of the Indigenous view of Mother Earth and the Holy. The interdependence of all living things is a central tenet of many spiritual systems. These worldviews stress the importance of harmony between human beings, the natural world, and the supernatural (“Indigeneity or Indigenous religions”). Indigenous religions tend to see the holy as immanent and present in all parts of life, in contrast to more institutionalized faiths. This all-encompassing perspective undermines the hierarchical and dualistic foundations of several established religions. It encourages a more open and collaborative spirit in which people are considered integral parts of the web of existence.
Respect for gender differences is indicative of the Indigenous sense of the holy, which in turn undermines the colonial-era dichotomy and inflexible gender standards. These societies are more open and supportive of gender diversity since they do not strictly define gender roles. This tolerance coincides with the growing acceptance of gender nonconformity and the rights of transgender, nonbinary, and non-cisgender people in modern society (Pullin, 2014).
It is a response to the harmful gender stereotypes that have led to discrimination and exclusion of people based on their gender expression or identity. If we can learn from Indigenous peoples’ views on gender, we can create a more just and caring world in which everyone can be themselves without fear of persecution. It promotes a more open and considerate perspective on human identity and experience by encouraging a movement toward appreciating gender’s richness and variety.
References
Gomez, A. R. (2022). Two-Spirit Indigenous Peoples building on legacies of gender variance. The Revealer. Web.
Indigeneity or Indigenous religions.
Pullin, Z. (2014). Two spirit: The story of a movement unfolds. Kosmos: Journal for Global Transformation.
them. (2018). What does “Two-Spirit” mean? | InQueery | them [Video]. YouTube. Web.