a portrait of

Historical Indigenous Two-Spirit & LGBTQ Figures:

White Cindy: Twentieth Century Klamath Tw!inna'ek medicine woman, who was respected for her power after having demonstrated her ability to conjure lightning We’Wha: Famous Zuni Ihamana, who was a prominent cultural ambassador for Native Americans in general, and the Zuni in particular. Their cultural work and interactions with anthropologists allowed for multiple publications of Zuni culture. Osh-Tisch: A Crow Badé, who earned her name “Finds-them-and-kills-them” after  rescuing a man named Bull-Snake and shooting a Lakota warrior during her participation in the 1876 Battle of Rosebud, alongside her friend and fellow female warrior The-Other-Magpie. Thunder-Woman: a powerful Cree doctor and medicine Ayakwew, who was the sibling of Chief Fine-Day. They are the namesake of Chief Thunderchild, who received his name after being saved from death and doctored back to health by Thunder-Woman. Ozawwendib: Ojibwe niizh-manidoowag who encountered multiple fur traders, such as Alexander Henry and John Tanner. She was noted as being an excellent guide in her assistance to trappers and fur traders. Hosteen Klah: a Navajo artist, medicine man, master weaver and Nádleeh. He co-founded the Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian in Santa-Fe, New Mexico alongside Mary Calbot Wheelwright, and his anti-assimilation efforts led to documentation of Navajo religion to be made available to future generations. Bíawacheeitchish: A Gros-Ventres two-spirit who was orphaned and taken in by the Crow after being raided, and took up traditionally male activities, and was encouraged in her pursuit by her foster father. She gained renown during a raid, fighting off multiple attackers and turning the tide of fortune, earning her name “Woman-Chief”. She married four wives and gained leadership after her foster father’s death. Kauholanuimahu: a King of Hawaii and Māhū, born circa early 15th century to nobles Laʻakapu and Kahoukapu. He succeeded his father as High-Chief, and Kauholanuimahu was then succeeded by his own son Kihanuilulumoku at his death.