Z’s coming out: At a two-spirit powwow in Toronto, my niece grapples with identity
Z walks back to her powwow chair after looking at some of the dancing with her Uncle Julian. Photo by Carlos Osorio / Canada's National Observer
My niece Z, her mom Ashley and I watched from our Walmart camping chairs as the tiny tots, dressed in their tiny regalia, toddled around the dance circle chaperoned by moms, dads, aunties and uncles. It was Pride Month in Toronto, and for the day, the Two-Spirited People of the First Nations Powwow had reclaimed a patch of grass from the former Canadian Forces Base in Downsview Park. Seated around a drum on the far side of the dance arbour, the singers struck the hide and belted out a Nickelodeon-inspired tune, calling all the pint-sized Indians into the circle. I’ve heard many powwow songs in my time, but never this one.
Way-way-ya way-ya way-ha
Way-way-ya way-ya way-ha
Way-way-ya way-ya way-ho
Way-way-ya way-ya way-ho
Way-ho