2SiMS Governance

About Our Governance

Governance at 2 Spirits in Motion Society reflects our responsibilities to the people who take part in our work. Our structure includes formal requirements outlined in our bylaws, as well as community-driven processes shaped through gatherings, regional visits, councils, and membership input. This approach ensures that decisions are informed by lived experience, nation-based teachings, and the priorities shared with us across regions.

How Our Governance Works

2SiMS operates as a national non-for-profit organization. Our governance model combines:

  • Staff experience

  • Council guidance

  • Elected leadership

  • Membership participation

  • Gatherings and consultations

  • Year-round community engagement

This structure ensures consistency, accountability, and clarity in how decisions are made. Governance reflects the information and priorities gathered through our visits, councils, and membership engagement.

  • Membership

    Members are individuals who join or renew each year through our membership form. Membership allows people to vote at the Annual General Meeting and contribute to decisions that guide the direction of the organization. Members include Two-Spirit and Indigiqueer people, LGBTQQQIA+ kin, and Indigenous allies who support our purpose and participate in our activities.

  • Elder Council

    The Elder Council supports the organization through relational, cultural, and experiential knowledge. Elders contribute insight that strengthens planning, community visits, and partnerships. They help guide 2SiMS in ways that respect safety, community expectations, and the realities people navigate across regions.

  • Youth Council

    The Youth Council brings forward the priorities of Two-Spirit and Indigiqueer youth from across Canada. Youth leaders help guide outreach, programming, and national conversations by sharing what young people are experiencing and what supports are needed.

  • Matriarch Council

    The Matriarch Council offers leadership through experience, care, and community connection. Matriarchs contribute to discussions about safety, cultural practice, and relationship-building, and support the organization in carrying out its work in a good way.

  • Board of Directors

    The Board is elected by members at the Annual General Meeting and is responsible for oversight, accountability, and strategic direction. The Board ensures that 2SiMS follows its bylaws, fulfills its mandate, and carries its responsibilities in alignment with national standards for not-for-profit organizations and the priorities shared by community.

  • Executive Directors Committee

    The Executive Directors Circle provides operational guidance, clarity on direction, and leadership support for the Executive Director. It is a space for discussion around organizational planning, staff needs, and alignment between operations and governance.

What Guides Our Decisions

Decisions at 2SiMS are informed by the knowledge shared through our gatherings, regional visits, councils, and membership. Each part of our governance structure contributes something different: lived experience, cultural understanding, organizational clarity, and regional priorities. Together, these guide how we plan, respond, and build our work for the year.

We rely on evaluation, regular communication with members, and ongoing relationships across regions to understand what supports are needed and how programs should grow. Our role is to carry these priorities forward in a good way and to make sure they shape our direction as a national organization.

Explore Our Governance Structure

Our councils and membership guide the direction of 2SiMS by sharing lived experience, nation-based teachings, and regional priorities that shape our work across the year.

Membership

Members contribute to decisions at the AGM, share insight from their regions, and help guide program priorities throughout the year.

Elder Council

Elders offer relational, cultural, and experiential insight that strengthens planning, community visits, and partnerships across regions.

Youth Council

Youth leaders bring forward what young people are experiencing and help shape outreach, programming, and national conversations.

Matriarch Council

Matriarchs offer care, experience, and community knowledge that supports safety, kinship, and relationship-building in our work.

Board of Directors

The Board provides oversight, accountability, and strategic direction through the Annual General Meeting and ongoing leadership work.

Executive Directors Circle

The Circle supports organizational planning, direction, and staff needs, ensuring alignment between programs and governance.