Module 2 - Gender and Sexuality Flashcards
What were the general gender roles among Plains Cree?
Men handled activities outside the camp (e.g., hunting, fighting), while women managed activities within the camp (e.g., caregiving, cooking, and tipi-making).
Was there fluidity in gender roles among Indigenous groups?
Yes, some women were hunters, warriors, and healers, while some men participated in domestic roles like caregiving.
What is “complementarity” in gender roles?
Complementarity refers to the interdependence of men and women’s roles to create balance and well-being for the group.
What did Matonabbee attribute the failure of an expedition to?
The lack of women, as their labor was essential for hauling supplies, pitching tents, and cooking, which ensured the group’s survival.
How did complementarity empower Indigenous women?
Women’s labor and roles were essential for survival, granting them economic, political, and social influence.
How were gender roles tied to spiritual teachings in Indigenous communities?
Roles reflected the balance and harmony of masculine and feminine components of the natural world, emphasizing interdependence.
How did European patriarchal values influence Indigenous gender roles?
Colonization imposed rigid patriarchal norms, eroding Indigenous women’s autonomy and altering traditional roles and relationships.
What is the term “Two-Spirit,” and how is it used today?
Two-Spirit is a pan-Native North American term recognizing gender and sexual diversity within Indigenous communities, often adopted in urban settings.
How was gender and sexual diversity viewed historically in Indigenous communities?
It was respected, with culturally specific terms like “Winkte” for males with female roles and “Double-Woman” for females with masculine traits.
What spiritual significance did Winkte and Double-Woman individuals have?
They were considered holy, often possessing artistic or healing powers and valued for their roles in the community.
What were some misconceptions early observers had about Indigenous gender roles?
Early fur traders and clergy viewed women as laborers or “beasts of burden,” ignoring their autonomy and critical roles in society.
How did Indigenous women historically wield power in their communities?
Women controlled household resources, influenced leadership selection, and sometimes served as Chiefs or removed leaders.
