Niizh Manidoowag Odena

Niizh Manidoowag Odena: Two Spirit Gathering Place

Skate Session – July 16, 2025 | 7–9 PM

This session is open to anyone who identifies as a girl, woman, 2-Spirit, trans, non-binary, and/or gender diverse. All ages, wheels, and skill levels are welcome to roll in, learn, and connect with community. Allies are welcome to attend with family and friends, but please remember this space is centered on uplifting women, girls, 2-Spirit, and gender-expansive individuals.

Elder Elaine Mayham gifted us the name Niizh Manidoowag Odena — meaning Two Spirit Gathering Place. She shared a teaching about the bear and the crane: the crane admired the bear’s gifts and wished to be like the bear, but forgot it had its own unique gifts. This teaching reminds us to honour who we are and what we each bring to the circle.

Elder Elaine also reminded us that 2-Spirit people have always been part of our communities — carriers of joy, laughter, and love — and that they are often the heart of our gatherings.

This night is about celebrating identity, sharing our gifts, and building a community rooted in care, joy, and belonging.

Niizh Manidoowag Odena
(Two Spirit Gathering Place)

Two - N-ee-sh
Spirit - Man-I-doo-wug
Place - o-den-a