Winter IndigiQueer Event
Spokane Public LIbrary
Innovation Synopsis
Hosted in partnership with Spectrum Center Spokane, the Winter IndigiQueer Celebration was created to amplify and celebrate queer and indigenous voices in the Spokane community. The event included an open mic, art show, round dance, Indigenous Maker’s Market, and Salish language learning.
Challenge/Opportunity
As an organization, one of our key values is including and celebrating Spokane’s diverse communities. This event was a part of Spectrum Center's IndigiQueer Series, a commitment made in 2022 to creating programming specifically dedicated to centering and celebrating local Two-Spirit and Indigiqueer communities, stories, and culture. By partnering with the library Spectrum Center was able to expand their outreach and we were able to provide an innovative and diverse experience for library patrons to participate in.
Key Elements of Innovation
Individuals who identify as IndigiQueer are often under-represented and therefore, much of the community is unaware of what two-spirit or IndigiQueer means. The Winter IndigiQueer Celebration was a way of acknowledging and celebrating the intersectionality of identities for Indigenous people who are part of the LGBTQIA2S+ community. The event combined a maker’s market with a variety of art forms like dance, Salish language learning, and an open mic!
Achieved Outcomes
Nearly 100 attendees enjoyed a safe and inviting space where they could engage with other individuals with similar interests, experiences, and lifestyles. There were also a variety of attendees who learned more about the IndigiQueer and two-spirit community. Local IndigiQueer and Indigenous artists were able to showcase and bring awareness to their crafts.
