(Hinton, OK) Under the crisp November skies of Indian Territory AKA Oklahoma, a tapestry of resilience, identity, and cultural preservation unfolded as Two-Spirit people from across Turtle Island and beyond convened for the 37th Annual International Two-Spirit Gathering. Held from November 13 to 17 at Canyon Camp in Hinton, this year’s event was more than a celebration—it was a sacred space of healing, empowerment, and collective strategizing for the wellness and thrivance (thriving and resistance) of Two-Spirit peoples.
“The Gathering was not just an event but a powerful reminder of the resilience, love, and unity that define who we are,” reflected Cray Bauxmont-Flynn, founder and executive director of the All Nations Two-Spirit Society (ANTSS) a citizen of the Cherokee Nation and Delaware Tribe of Indians. Bauxmont-Flynn described the event as a “transformative celebration,” noting how it honored Two-Spirit traditions while reinforcing their enduring legacy.
A Sacred Space for Healing and Growth
The Gathering featured a robust lineup of activities aimed at deepening connections to cultural heritage and community. Attendees participated in ceremonies, traditional dances, and hands-on workshops designed to pass on ancestral knowledge. Sessions on leadership and advocacy particularly uplifted Two-Spirit youth, while elders were honored for their wisdom and contributions to cultural preservation.
For many, including participants like Janelle Niles, the Gathering offered a rare opportunity to feel deeply grounded in their identity. Niles, a Two-Spirit Black-Mi’kmaq comedian and content creator, spoke about the profound sense of security and community she felt during the event.
“Attending the 37th annual International Two-Spirit Gathering was a dream,” Niles shared. “I surrounded myself with my Two-Spirit kin, which made me feel grounded and secure. Oklahoma was very good to me, and I have no complaints.”
The Pageant: A Celebration of Identity
One of the event’s highlights was the Two-Spirit pageant, which celebrated the rich diversity of Two-Spirit identities through categories honoring various gender expressions. Niles, who initially attended as a spectator, was encouraged to enter the competition and ultimately crowned Mr. International Two-Spirit Ambassador 2024.
“When I was crowned, I felt an overwhelming feeling of validation for my masculine spirit,” Niles said. “Being a Two-Spirit person isn’t some label; it is cultural, spiritual, and explicitly Indigenous. I hope to keep to my mandate of expressing solidarity through humor and advocating for Two-Spirit rights across Turtle Island.”
Her win highlighted the Gathering’s emphasis on nurturing cultural pride and dispelling misconceptions about what it means to be Two-Spirit.
Carrying the Legacy Forward
As the event drew to a close, attendees left inspired, carrying with them lessons of advocacy and resilience. Bauxmont-Flynn emphasized the importance of continuing to create spaces like this to ensure the legacy of Two-Spirit culture thrives.
“The Gathering reinforced the urgent need to nurture these spaces, ensuring that the legacy of Two-Spirit culture and identity remains vibrant and impactful,” he said.
For the Two-Spirit community, events like the International Gathering are more than just a celebration—they are a call to action, a moment to honor their ancestors, and a chance to build pathways for a stronger, more unified future for Two-Spirit people of all ages and walks of life.
As Niles succinctly put it: “The Gathering gave us the opportunity to embrace who we are, grounded in the love of our Two-Spirit kin, and reminded us that we are seen, valued, and essential to the fabric of our cultures.”
Personal Reflection
Words cannot fully capture how deeply meaningful the 37th Annual International Two-Spirit Gathering was for me. Held at Canyon Camp in Hinton, Oklahoma—the very grounds where I attended a United Methodist camp each summer as a child and on lands where my Chickasaw ancestors endured displacement during the Trail of Tears—it felt like worlds colliding in the most profound way.
As a board member of the All Nations Two-Spirit Society, I was honored to serve as one of the organizers for this transformative event. The Gathering reaffirmed for me the healing power of culture, ceremony, and the importance of intergenerational connections that link the wisdom of elders with the vitality of youth. These relationships act as living medicine, fostering resilience, belonging, and wellness across generations. I left feeling connected not only to my Two-Spirit kin but also to my Chikasha hattak ittintaklaʼ chokka-chaffaʼ (Chickasaw relatives).
As my Tribal Nation reminds us: We are resilient. We are unconquered. We are unconquerable.