Historic first for Two-Spirit celebration
- by Brian Eckberg
Two-Spirit Columnist
All Nations Two-Spirit Society
Something truly historic happens next month, when the Intercultural Partnership Council (IPC) holds this year’s Two-Spirit Celebration. It will be hosted and sanctioned by a tribal nation.
Cherokee Chief Chuck Hoskin, Jr. is the first and only tribal chief or president of any indigenous nation ever to sponsor and endorse a Two-Spirit gathering.
In my travels to other Two-Spirit events across Turtle Island, my IndigiQueer relatives are stunned and excited to hear that this is happening. To many of them, it is unimaginable. So many of our tribal nations have been spiritually colonized to believe that queer (asegi in Cherokee) is something to be ashamed of. Yet, as you may have read in previous columns (June & August 2026 issues), there is ample evidence that Two-Spirit people have existed and been celebrated by countless nations in pre-Columbian times.
“Cherokee communities have been built on a foundation of love, inclusivity, admiration and fairness for all,” says Hoskin. “No matter who they choose to love, the Cherokee Nation is a stronger, more just Nation when we embrace the full diversity of our Nation.”
Cherokee Nation is located in one of the deepest of red states in America, with an arch-conservative state government and utterly indifferent federal government and president. Both Oklahoma and the federal government have taken action to target queer & trans people with oppressive legislation. And yet, here is a Chief (who could easily benefit his own approval numbers by saying nothing), standing up in support of IndigiQueer people simply because he knows it is the right thing to do. That is leadership.
The IPC, along with All Nations Two-Spirit Society (ANTSS), Squirrel Ridge Ceremonial Grounds, the Tahlequah Public Library and Cherokee Nation, invite you to our free celebration on Friday, October 23rd and Saturday, October 24th. It begins with a Stomp Dance next to the Cherokee Nation Powwow Grounds on Friday from 6–10 p.m. It continues with a symposium at the Tahlequah Public Library on Saturday morning, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. And it wraps with a community Powwow at the Cherokee Nation Powwow Arena on Saturday from 4 to 10 p.m. Every meal and activity is FREE.
The Powwow takes place on sacred Cherokee grounds, because as Chief Hoskin reminds us, we are sacred. “When one group’s dignity and equality are threatened, we all suffer. Let us celebrate the pride that empowers the 2SLGBTQ+ community!”
As of this writing, the Cherokee Nation remains the only tribe to host a Two-Spirit event. But they won’t be the last. I encourage you all to join us for all the events, whether you are an IndigiQueer relative or an ally who wants to learn more. Chief Hoskin will be present for the Powwow as Two-Spirit people take the next historic step in reclaiming our recognition within indigenous culture.
You’ll experience traditional Cherokee dance, traditional meals, a symposium discussing our past, present and future and lifetime achievement awards, celebrating Two-Spirit leaders from across the continent. It will be awe-inspiring and will help us build a stronger coalition. I hope you’ll come.
Thanks for reading & Wado!
