Tribal Specific Terms for "Two-Spirit"
These “third-gendered” Native peoples were not historically known as “Two-Spirits.” The term “Two-Spirit” itself is a relatively new English term, and thus it is important to recognize that these “third-gendered” peoples had not been originally known as such. As mentioned before, each tribal nation had it’s own understanding and terms for those who did not fit European definitions of gender norms. Some terms specific to different tribal nations for the “third-gendered” peoples were, “nadle,” “winkte,” “heemaneh.” Since the term “Two-Spirit” is an English term, it still works within the confines of European understandings of gender. “Two-Spirit” refers to a person inhabiting both feminine and masculine traits, abilities, and spiritualties; therefore further supporting a gender binary that Native societies did not abide by.
For a list of Tribal terms for those of an alternative gender click the button below.
For a list of Tribal terms for those of an alternative gender click the button below.