In November, in the United States, we celebrate Native American Heritage Month. On November 20th, we also celebrate and remember all of our friends who fall under the "Trans" identity umbrella, meaning they don't feel like just the boy or girl they were called when they were born! In honor of both, we're celebrating stories about young people who are "two-spirit", (Niizh Manidoowag in Anishinaabe) an indigenous identity term for people who feel more than just "boy" or "girl."
In Raven's Ribbons, Raven's grandmother makes the most beautiful ribbon skirts for so many members of the community. Raven dreams of having his own, even though his Nohkum has never seen such a thing before. Follow his journey to dancing his dream. This story is written by Tasha Spillett, a member of the Cree community and illustrated by Daniel Ramirez, a member Saginaw Chippewa Tribe of Michigan.
Peyton loves to dance. Usually, the swishing of the 47,000 Beads of her skirt bring her joy. But somewhere along the way, dresses became uncomfortable, like a skin that didn't fit. Follow Peyton and her Auntie as they find a way to bring back Peyton's love of dancing. This story is written by Koja Adehoya, an Oglala Lakota two-spirit author.
Phoenix Gets Greater in this story about accepting oneself. Like Peyton and Raven, Phoenix loves to dance...but he loves to dance in twirly, swirly skirts, not pants. Follow Phoenix as his mom and brother teach him about "Niizh Manidoowag" or two-spirit people. This story is written by Marty Wilson-Trudeau and Phoenix Wilson, Anishinaabe Kwe writers and drawn by Megan Kyak-Monteith, an Inuk illustrator.
Anang is nervous in The Ribbon Skirt. They want to make one for powwow, but don't know how their community will feel about them wearing one. Join Anang, their family, and friends as they learn to find confidence in themself. This story is written by Cameron Mukwa, an Anishinaabe, two-spirit cartoonist.
Finally, if you're interested in watching characters created by two-spirit creators, try Molly of Denali, created, in part, by Chicago local, two-spirit author June Thiele!
Chicago Public Libraries are located on ancestral lands of indigenous tribes, such as the Council of the Three Fires--comprised of the Ojibwe, Odawa, and Potawatomi Nations--as well as the Miami, Ho-Chunk, Menominee, Sac, Fox, Kickapoo, and Illinois Nations
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