Metis Central Western Region 2 Council Incorporated

Published purpose

Through this 13-month project, Metis Central Western Region II (MCWRII) will develop community-informed solutions to key barriers and gaps facing 2SLGBTQI+ communities in northern Saskatchewan. This will be achieved through consultations with youth, families, partners, and the larger communities to identify the needs of Indigenous 2SLGBTQI+ youth. With support from OUTSaskatoon, MCWRII staff will be trained to assist youth and their allies in connecting to resources using a Gender-Based Analysis Plus (GBA Plus) framework in line with Two-Spirit (2S) support, with a focus on mental health. Consultations with schools and community leadership will also occur, alongside a review of policies with partner organizations. MCWRII will collaborate with schools to pilot a Gender and Sexuality Alliance (GSA) program to provide support to youth and educate staff, the community, and families about sexual and gender diversity. MCWRII will create awareness and resources using digital storytelling and photovoice to allow youth and their allies to share their lived experiences within the project. Through this project, MCWRII will also engage with funders, government, and other stakeholders to seek long-term solutions to the system gaps identified and will create a manual for 2SLGBTQI+ supports and resources.