Native Governance Center

Two-Spirit people have always held vital roles in Indigenous communities across Turtle Island. We honor our LGBQT2S+ relatives this month and beyond!

Last year, NGC hosted the “Sacred Voices: Learning from Indigiq***r and Two-Spirit Leaders” webinar. The conversation was moderated by Giiwedin (descendant of the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe and an enrolled member of the St. Croix Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin) and featured 3 speakers, including Susan Allen (Rosebud Sioux Tribe), who lent their expertise on this important subject.

Susan: "One change that I have been thinking about is education. And then reclaiming cultural roles, and revitalization, I guess, is a good word. I think that supporting for tribal leaders. And for...I think that at this point state and federal is difficult to even want to go there. But, tribal, we can still focus on tribal. And education, so curriculum, and early education. We all went through s*x education, and there has been a lot of effort to reform that education to be more inclusive and real and authentic."

Read our Indigenous Knowledge and Two-Spirit Leadership Resource to learn more about how you might be able to support, or watch the webinar recording on our channel!

https://nativegov.org/resources/indigenous-knowledge-and-two-spirit-leadership/

It's Victory Day, relatives! Our Program Director, Michaela Madrid, was in attendance at the 2026 Victory Day Charge! Riders traveled to the original battle site to honor and celebrate those who fought and sacrificed, while recognizing the day's significance and power today.

150 years ago, over a thousand Lakota, Dakota, Cheyenne, and Arapaho warriors joined with others from allied Native nations to defend their sovereignty, the land, the people, and our cultures from the threat of forced relocation. Inspirational leaders like Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse led Natives to defeat Lt. Col. George Custer and the 7th Cavalry in a major victory we call "The Battle of the Greasy Grass." Known in western culture as "The Battle of the Little Bighorn," the conflict took place on traditional Crow lands, which are now part of Montana.

Every year, we honor those who sacrificed and fought. We share not only the historic victory with our youth, but also uplift the continued story of Indigenous resilience, of which it is a part. This day is a day of celebration. A day to look back on successes that overcame immense adversity. It is also a reminder to honor those who sacrifice to continue the work of strengthening sovereignty, defending culture, and rebuilding Native nations.