You’re invited to a Sweat Lodge for Two Spirit, Indigequeer, and Non-Indigenous LGBTQQIA+ students! Led by Two Spirit Kookum and Knowledge Keeper Barbara Bruce with Two Spirit Elder Charlotte Nolan, 2SLGBTQQIA+ students will have the opportunity to connect spiritually through a Ceremonial Sweat Lodge on Wednesday, Nov. 16 at 1 pm. To register, please send an email to Stephanie Wright at sdwright@rrc.ca with the following information:

• Name
• Student number
• Confirmation that you would like to attend Barbara Bruce’s Sweat Lodge on Wednesday, Nov. 16

When: 1 pm on Wednesday, Nov. 16

Where: Sweat Lodge in the Medicine Wheel Garden at Notre Dame Campus

Kookum Barbara is a citizen of the Métis Nation—Michif aen Otipemisiwak. Her beliefs of Indigenous traditional teachings are reflected in all her work. Her dedication to advancing the rightful place, recognition, and acknowledgement of the Two Spirit community, Indigenous women, and children are an integral part of her life.

Barbara has been recognized and honoured by the Human Rights Commission of Manitoba for her significant contributions in promoting Indigenous rights and equality. She was honoured by Keeping the Fires Burning as a Kookum/Grandmother for her contribution to the wellbeing of Indigenous Peoples. Sagkeeng First Nation honoured her for her extensive contribution to economic development in First Nation and Métis communities. 

In recognition of her lifetime of work, Barbara was inducted into the Order of Manitoba in 2018. In 2020, she was acknowledged in the Manitoba Legislative Assembly in a Member’s Statement for her work and contribution as a Two Spirit Elder. In 2021, she received the Nellie McClung Manitoba 150 Women Trailblazer Award. 

Elder Charlotte is a 72-year-old Métis woman, parent to seven children, and grandparent to nine grandchildren. She’s a Sixties Scoop survivor and Indian Day School survivor—she attended the Indian Day School for Roseau River Reserve and lived in various foster homes and a group home.

Charlotte began her transition at 17, but returned to the closet due to racism, homophobia, and transphobia. She worked in construction until the 1990’s and that experience gave her the ability to build anything from bridges to beautiful monuments. Charlotte left the construction industry in the 90s and moved into the social service field, where she dedicated the last 30+ years to protecting children and their families.

In 2010, Charlotte was honoured with the Spirit of the Earth Award from Manitoba Hydro and in 2014 received the Keeping the Fires Burning Award from Ka Ni Kanichihk for her dedication to her people. Today, Charlotte continues her work to share the knowledge she carries with members of her Two Spirit community.

Sweat lodges are a way to heal and connect with all four parts of the self: the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. Register now!