U of W Two-Spirit Archives aim to preserve history of a community 'erased' from heritage
CTV
A hefty donation by a renowned local activist to the University of Winnipeg has created what is believed to be the most comprehensive two-spirit archives in all of Canada.
A hefty donation by a renowned local activist to the University of Winnipeg has created what is believed to be the most comprehensive two-spirit archives in all of Canada.
Following consultations with the two-spirit community, Albert McLeod made a series of donations to the U of W starting in 2011.
McLeod is a local two-spirit activist. His work raising awareness and advocating for his community has earned him an international reputation.
The trove, consisting of newsletters, journals, magazines, poetry, textiles, art and more, kick-started the expansive collection.
“Our vision was really to create an archives that helps support the two-spirit community, told the stories of two-spirit people who had been erased in Canada's documentary heritage due to colonization and homophobia and transphobia,” said Brett Lougheed, university archivist and digital curator with the University of Winnipeg.
The archives are overseen by a two-spirit advisory council.
