Gender Transformative Justice
At the Indigenous Justice Circle we believe in the potential of Native girls, women, and 2SLGBTQ+ people. Through our programming and initiatives, we aim to connect young leaders with each other, empowerment opportunities, and older mentors. With our Native partners, IJC has built and strengthened 45 Girl Societies in 15 U.S. States. Our goal is to decolonize, redirect, and strengthen systems to increase benefits to Native communities by investing in the rising generation of Indigenous girls & 2SLGBTQ.
(Photo credit: The 100 Horses Society).
Historically, Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit people have been specifically targeted and robbed of their traditional roles and rights. The legacy of structural racism has led to a mental health crisis, reduced access to financial assets, and a higher risk of violence and human trafficking.
Photo credit: 100 Horses Society
The Indigenous Adolescent Girls’ Empowerment Network (IMAGEN)
IMAGEN strengthens the protection, safety, and resilience of girls and 2SLGBTQ+ people in Native communities by reclaiming neighborhood spaces in which to rekindle sacred matrilineal traditions. The evidence-based approach consists of a set of adaptable tools, honed by our partners and team, that enable one to establish neighborhood safe spaces for girls. Weekly “Girl Society” meetings are led by pairs of local women who serve as mentors/aunties. Girls’ families, elders and local experts are invited to the Girl Society regularly.
IMAGEN 90 second documentary
Period Poverty is on the rise. Due to their limited access to financial resources, Native menstruators are at risk of missing school and work during their periods. Our partners across Indian Country distribute menstrual hygiene products to those in need, sponsored by a Pads Across America grant from the Pad Project. Previously, our partners included menstrual supplies in their COVID care packages.
(Photo credit: NACS)
Our approach is gender-expansive and identity-inclusive. 2SLGBTQ+ people are always welcome in our initiatives and programs, we work hard with our communities and young leaders to educate ourselves and others about the importance of uplifting queer Indigenous voices. We believe that gender transformative justice must be strongly grounded in Native traditions, such as gender variance.
(Art credit: Suzanne Lynn Cross)
Building off decades of programmatic research and lessons learned, IJC brings locally-led Indigenous organizations together to propose innovative ways to reclaim female social infrastructure and matrilineal traditions. Through the Girl Society framework, culture-centered programs adapted to the local context are built to impart skills, safety, and mentored networks to Native girls and 2SLGBTQ+ people.
(Photo credit: OKCIC)