Presentation on 'Two Spirit History, Identity, and Belonging' at college Wednesday

The Pride Club at Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College is excited to host Dr. Kat Werchouski (Red Cliff) at the Ruth A. Myers Library 6-7:30 P.M. Wednesday, Nov. 13. Werchouski will lead a brief presentation exploring the history, cultural significance, and modern perspectives on Two Spirit identity within Indigenous communities. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, visit https://fdltcc.edu/event/two-spirit-history-and-identity-with-dr-kat-werchouski/.

"Two Spirit people served numerous critical roles in our communities, held stories and teachings, and provided for our communities in ways no other people could,” shared Dr. Kat Werchouski, “When colonization began, we had to hide our Two Spirit people to protect them for violence and death. We hid them so well that a lot of teachings and traditions disappeared almost completely. As Two Spirit people, we need the support of all our relatives now more than ever."

Katrina “Kat” Werchouski (she/her) is a proud member of the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Ojibwe, with ties to the Leech Lake and Lac du Flambeau Ojibwe tribes as well as the state of Jalisco, Mexico. She is a Senior Partner with Peak Perspectives and serves as the Diversity & Inclusion Manager for the American Academy of Neurology. She previously served as the Director of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion and Senior Diversity Officer at the University of Wisconsin - Superior.

“Dr. Kat Werchouski has become a familiar face and friend to the Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College campus,” shared FDLTCC faculty member, Dr. Maglina Lubovich, “I met Kat several years ago at a gender conference, where she was giving a presentation on what it means to be Two Spirit. She has been a guest speaker in my Women’s & Gender Studies class ever since, sharing her teachings with us in a knowledgeable and compassionate way. She does it all with a sense of humor and kindness that my students always connect with and appreciate.”

Following Werchouski’s presentation, there will be an open conversation, providing a welcoming space for participants to engage, share, learn, and create community together. The event will also feature a showcase of library resources highlighting fiction, poetry, graphic novels, and essays by queer Indigenous authors. The event will also include a song by FDLTCC faculty member, Lyz Jaakola, and feature a showcase of library resources highlighting fiction, poetry, graphic novels, and essays by queer Indigenous authors. Food will be provided.

"Kat’s story and words were so powerful, wise, and beautiful and I truly felt more knowledgeable after hearing her speak,” shared FDLTCC student, Embry Sundquist, “As someone who is nonbinary, a lot of what she said truly resonated with me. Even though I am not Two Spirit, I felt so understood and almost represented. Learning about how impactful Two Spirit people are and were, was so inspiring and validating."

The evening with Dr. Werchouski at FDLTCC is a unique opportunity to learn and connect—everyone is welcome!

For more information about the November 13 event, please visit https://fdltcc.edu/event/two-spirit-history-and-identity-with-dr-kat-werchouski/ or contact Taylor Warnes, FDLTCC’s Director of Marketing and Communication, at [email protected].