Holistic healing focus of meeting

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Participants in an annual two-spirit gathering at Geneva Park, near Orillia, had an opportunity "to teach, to learn and to share together," according to organizing committee member Art Zoccole. The theme of the week-long event, held on the traditional territory of the Chippewas of Mnjikaning First Nation, was "Transforming Generations."

From July 20 to 25 an estimated 160 people from First Nations across North America congregated to address many issues of importance to Aboriginal people. According to Zoccole, executive director of the Toronto-based Two-Spirited People of the First Nations, representatives from British Columbia to Arizona took part in the ceremonies and workshops.

The conference was funded in part by Health Canada, Corrections Canada and the Ontario Ministry of Health. Additional support came from the Oneida Nation, the National Association of Friendship Centres and Toronto Aboriginal organizations, he said.

The purpose of the event was to reclaim the traditional pride and respect possessed by two-spirited people in previous generations. The stated goal of the organizers was to "regain our rightful place in the world."

"We wanted our own two-spirit people to do the ceremonies and to teach and learn and share together," Zuccole said. "We had lots of volunteers for the ceremonies and the teachings. We had a sacred fire burning throughout the gathering, plus talking circles, sweats, a powwow and workshops. Sue Kelly, an Elder from Rama, was particularly popular; many people sought her out for advice."

Many educational topics were covered during the week. Participants discussed harm reduction associated with substance use, sexual health, hepatitis and corrections issues. Two-spirited people were invited to consult with counsellors, healers and Elders on the site.

HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention was also on the agenda. Since it is estimated that one Aboriginal person becomes infected every day, the need for education is urgent. "There is still no cure," Zoccole stressed. "And there's still a misconception out there that it (HIV/AIDS) is a gay white man's disease. People continue to think it won't affect us, but it does."

As of June 30, 2002, an estimated 18,336 AIDS cases were reported to the Centre for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control in Canada. Of those, 15,713 cases contained information on ethnicity and 459 were Aboriginal people.

In 2002, Aboriginal people accounted for 14.1 per cent of the total reported AIDS cases where ethnicity was known.

Zoccole said the annual gathering serves an important purpose. "The two-spirit people are now picking up their bundles and reclaiming their traditional roles in our communities," he noted. "People do a lot of healing at these gatherings."

Zoccole praised the staff at Geneva Park for accommodating the needs of the group.

"It was an excellent location," he said. "It was the best site we could have chosen. There was lots of space and good meals were provided. They even served caribou meat on one occasion."