Ashleigh Cardinal (she/they)
Co-Chair
Keith King (He/They)
Co-ChairKeith King (He/They) is a proud Ayahkwew (Ah-yah-kway-oh or Two Spirit) Registered Nurse from Notikewin, Alberta in Treaty 8 territory and part of the Metis homeland. They are of mixed English & Russian settler and Métis descent and are currently living in Amiskwaciwâskahikan (Edmonton, Alberta) where they are enrolled in the PhD program with the Faculty of Nursing at the University of Alberta. Here, they are working with the Métis Nation of Alberta to explore HPV-related cancer prevention across the homeland. They are also an Assistant Teaching Professor in the Faculty of Nursing at the University of Alberta and a sessional instructor at MacEwan University. Keith an oskapiew (ah-skap-ee-oh) to Dr. Elder Grandmother Doreen Spence, from Saddle Lake Cree Nation, a member of Lii Taab Otapisimiwak (Oh-tah-pem-see-wak), and works closely with the Health Department at the Métis Nation of Alberta. Keith also volunteers as co-chair of the board of the Edmonton 2Spirit Society, and with a number of communities including Métis Nation of Alberta, Métis Nation of Ontario, the Manitoba Métis Federation, and various charities. Keith is a former board director of the Pain Society of Alberta, and a co-founder of the Alberta Pain Strategy, inviting diverse community voices to the field of pain and brings a trauma-informed, recovery-oriented perspective in his work in Indigenous and Queer health, mental health, and sexual health.
Gena Marshall (she/her/they/them/nekm)
Interim TreasurerGena (pronounced “Genna”) is a proud tapuiwjijaqamijit (two spirited) pansexual L’nu mother. She is a status member of Potlotek First Nation, Nova Scotia. Also known as Chapel Island, her reserve is the cultural cradle of the Mi’kmaw people and a national historic site. Gena has lived all over so-called Canada and is grateful to currently thrive in Amiskwaciywâskahikan (ᐊᒥᐢᑲᐧᒋᐋᐧᐢᑲᐦᐃᑲᐣ). Gena makes an effort to connect with the land daily, whether by cycling to work or taking her family for a walk in the spectacular river valley. She is a water protector and treaty defender who works to balance her responsibilities as a visitor to Treaty 6 in the spirit of reciprocity.
Although she is far from her home territory, she is fortunate to have her immediate family close by and Gena honors them by hosting a family dinner every Sunday. Reclaiming traditional parenting practices is very important to her so she keeps her young children close and involves them in adult life as much as possible. She is on a path of decolonizing her daily life by honoring her ancestors in many ways, including drumming, singing, beading, sewing and powwow dancing. She is also learning the Mi’kmaw language with her children with the goal of becoming fluently trilingual. During Gena’s time on the E2S board, she hopes to embody lateral kindness by uplifting others and encouraging everyone to live their most authentic life. By co-creating an environment of peace, friendship and community joy we can better support each other and share our gifts with the world.
Ryan Buffalo
Member-at-largeMy name is Ryan Buffalo. I’m a Two Spirit artist from Samson Cree on Treaty 6 territory. I’m the former two spirit International warrior 2011-2012 also the former Miss Montana Two Spirit 2019-2921. I’m a current board member of Edmonton two spirit society. I have been Involved in the 2S community in various capacities.
Alyssa D (she/they)
Member-at-LargeHi folks! I am a Queer, mixed white person (French, Scottish, Ukrainian, Russian, German) living in amiskwaciywâskahikan on Treaty 6 Territory. I acknowledge my continual benefit of colonization as a white settler on stolen land. In my life, I use my privilege and platform to support Indigenous Peoples on Treaty 6 to thrive, empower their communities and take back their rightful roles on this land for the next generations. I joined the board in March 2020 after being invited to apply by my brother, Boyd Whiskeyjack; I am humbled and honored to work alongside such inspiring and powerful people in my role as Secretary of E2S.
I work as a junior high English Language Arts and Art teacher in Edmonton, and in my spare time enjoy spending time with loved ones, reading, and creating art. I am a proud cat mom to Hubble and Orbit, my silly, sassy cats, and the way to my heart is through my stomach – I love food!
Sianna Bulman (she/they)
Member-at-largeSianna Bulman is a Queer, Gender-Non-Conforming member of the Metis Nation of Alberta, who resides in Treaty 6 territory, Metis Region 4. They hold a Bachelor of Arts from Memorial University of Newfoundland in Social and Cultural Studies, with their research focused on experiences of racism in Canada. Their interests include socio-political analysis, environmentalism, and baking and pastry. They have contributed to various community advocacy initiatives ranging from climate actions to cultural festivals. Between championing social causes, Sianna enjoys a good hike with their dog, taking various courses and classes, or baking homemade pastry.
Tanner Gordashko (he/him)
Member-at-largeTanner Gordashko is known for his advocacy and artistic contributions within the 2SLGBTQ+ community. As a proud Métis trans man, he has become influential in the queer community. Embracing his identity as a drag king, Tanner has used his platform to raise awareness about gender diversity and acceptance. His journey of self-discovery has taken a significant turn as he delves into learning more about his indigenous roots, showcasing his commitment to understanding and preserving his cultural heritage. Through his activism, artistry, and dedication to exploring his indigenous identity, Tanner continues to inspire and empower others on their paths of self-discovery and acceptance.