Two-Spirit Pride Panel
Date & Time: Sunday, May 18th
Doors open at: 6:30 PM
Panel Discussion: 7 PM - 8:30 PM
Q&A: 8:30 - 9:00 PM
Presented by: Canmore Pride and Mînî Thnî Two Spirit Pride
Funding/support from: Banff Canmore Foundation, artsPlace
Location: artsPlace (theatre room) 950 8 Ave, Canmore, AB T1W 2T1
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ouS5gu39Zp5XQCzc6
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What to expect:
Join Canmore Pride and Mînî Thnî Two Spirit Pride for a meaningful and thought-provoking panel discussion centering the voices, stories, and experiences of the Two-Spirit community. This event will create space for Two-Spirit panelists to share about their identities, histories, and the complexities of navigating both Indigeneity and queerness in today’s world.
Through guided conversation, we’ll explore what Two-Spirit means and what inclusive Pride truly looks like when it centers Indigenous perspectives. Panelists will also reflect on their personal journeys, the power of community, and what meaningful allyship can look like within both Indigenous and 2SLGBTQIA+ spaces.
Whether you're a community member, ally, or someone seeking to learn and listen, this conversation offers an opportunity to deepen your understanding, challenge assumptions, and take steps toward more inclusive and culturally grounded forms of celebration and advocacy.
Registration here. This is a free event, with donations taken at the door.
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Panel Members:
Cleavon Abraham / Argintina Hailey-Lawrence
Cleavon Abraham is a member of the Îyârhe Nakoda First Nation who best known as her Drag Persona, Argintina Hailey-Lawrence. As Argintina she has advocating for Two-Spirit/IndigiQueer Visibility in many major 2SLGBTQ+ Events. Been active in the community for over 25 years performing on various stages.
Travis Rider
Travis Rider is a member of the Stoney, Nation, is a full time student at Mascwacis Cultural College IBSW program. Works PT at the Whyte Museum in Archives. Facilitates Indigenous awarness courses, language. Has also worked in collaboration with other facilitators and organizations, schools, promoting language, mental, spiritual and cultural wellness.
Travis resides in Mînî Thnî.
Steve Kootenay-Jobin
Âba Wathtech (hello), I am Steve Kootenay-Jobin. My spiritual name is Na’toya Piik’ski (Holy Bird), and it was gifted to me by Elder Miksiik’aam. I am Nakoda from Stoney Nation, and I am in Treaty 7. We are known as the people of the mountains.
I am the Manager of Indigenous Student Supports and oversee the daily operations of Natoysopoyiis. I have worked in post-secondary education with Indigenous students for over 10 years in Calgary. My educational background consists of a Master of Education (2022), a Bachelor of Arts – Sociology (2015), an Arts and Social Science Diploma (2011), and the Aboriginal Education Program (2008).
I have a passion for learning and have been privileged to be a part of thousands of students’ education journeys. I look forward to seeing you in Natoysopoyiis!
Additional Panel Members (bios to come):
Bodeen Twoyoungmen
Thomas Kaquitts (ally/father)
Toby Kaquitts (child of Thomas)
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Accessibility:
There is a gender-neutral washroom available
The venue is wheelchair accessible including a wheelchair accessible washroom.
The theatre can fit up to 105 people in the audience.
There will be loud noise. Please bring your own ear plugs if needed.
There will be bright lights
The closest bus stop is Canmore 9th Street (Roam Transit) and is 200 metres from the venue.
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Getting here:
There is a paid parking lot in front of artsPlace including limited accessible parking spots. We also encourage you to walk/bike/bus/roll to the venue if possible.
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Food/Drinks: Snacks (popcorn, chocolate bars, candy, etc.) and drinks (sodas, beer, wine, etc.) will be available for purchase from the artsPlace concession stand inside of the venue. Cash and card payment will be accepted.
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Registration: This event is open to the public. We prioritize creating a safe space and any discrimination will not be tolerated. This is a space for learning and growing our understanding of each other.
Donations will be taken at the door (cash or card). The donations will go towards artsPlace and Canmore Pride.
Registration link to come.
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Contact:
If you have any questions leading up to the event, please contact the Canmore Pride team directly via email at community@canmorepride.ca!
Please note, due to the volume of emails, we suggest that you get in touch with us a minimum of 48 hours prior to the event so we have time to respond to your inquiries.