We have always been here: Two-Spirit ancestors
- by Brian Eckberg
Two-Spirit Columnist
All Nations Two-Spirit Society
Much of our Indigenous history has been lost to time. The carnage of colonization and attempts to eradicate our cultures has had a significant impact on the passing down of knowledge, which was traditionally in oral, not written, form.
Despite this, we are still here. And some of our stories endure. Two-Spirit is a somewhat new term, but an ancient understanding. Here are just a few of our ancestors, whose stories somehow survived to inspire future generations:
Ozaawindib (Ojibwe) c. 1797-1832: Many Ojibwe warriors were transgender and revered as “two-spirited”, or niizh manidoowag. The most well-known of these transgender warriors was Ozaawindib, whom the Europeans called “Yellow Head.”
In his 1830 book, author John Tanner describes Ozaawindib: “This man was one of those who make themselves women and are called women by the Indians.” Tanner also recalled that he was once the center of Ozaawindib’s affections. The warrior, who already had several husbands, possessed the role of a Makandwewininiwag, known as a “pillager.” These Ojibwe pillagers were much like the modern-era Marine Corps; the first to arrive on the scene of battle.
Today, the legacy of this transgender warrior can be seen in place names around Minnesota. Lake Itasca’s Yellow Head Point was named in their honor.
Old Doctor (Tolowa) c. 1805-1870s: Old Doctor was a Tolowa spiritual leader who dressed in both male and female garments and jewelry. In the photo (c. 1873), Old Doctor is wearing a traditional women’s cap. They lived in a Yurok/Tolowa village, just north of Endert’s Beach (modern-day California), with a wife and son.
Old Doctor disappeared in the wild during a spiritual training for an accompanying boy. Neither body was ever found. It is speculated that the child may have died during the session. After such a death, the sponsor would be obliged to commit suicide. Exact causes of death were never confirmed.
Biawacheeitchish (Apsáalooke or Crow) c. 1806-1854: Biawacheeitchish (their English name is Woman Chief) was a leader with various identities. They showed a disposition toward traditionally male activities, but always dressed in traditionally female clothing.
They were known by three different names in history: Biawacheeitchish, Woman Chief and possibly Pine Leaf. They were born to the Gros Ventres people, but adopted and raised as Crow.
Being known as so many things, Biawacheeitchish was also an acclaimed marksman, hunter and rider. They had at least four female wives and joined the Council of Chiefs, becoming one of the Crows’ most significant leaders. Despite successfully negotiating peace, they were killed by a warring party of Gros Ventres, the people of their birth.
It is especially important that we share our history and demonstrate our ancient presence. After all, we have a current vice president who refers to Indigenous Peoples’ Day as a “fake holiday.” In 2021, he commented on a post from US Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, where she made references to trans, two-spirit and non-binary people by responding: “I’m sorry, but what the hell is two-spirit? Would love it if progressives would just stop inventing words.”
JD, you’re a jackass. All words are made up. And while the term “Two-Spirit” is a modern one, our history is not. The Trump administration is filled with bullies and morons who possess zero interest in learning. We have always been here. Now let’s vote and organize to elect a government worthy of representing us.
The Gayly online. 2/24/26 @ 2:29 p.m. CST.